Marburg Virus: WHO Puts Kenya on High Alert

The World Health Organization (WHO) has placed Kenya and five other countries on high alert for Marburg virus following the death of eight people in Tanzania’s Kagera region.

In a statement issued on January 15, WHO identified the neighboring countries under alert as Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Mozambique.

“We are currently aware of nine suspected cases, including eight fatalities, across two districts in Tanzania,” WHO reported.

The organization emphasized the need to strengthen surveillance and response capacities at key points of entry.
“Enhanced collaboration with neighboring countries is essential to standardize reporting mechanisms,” WHO added.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), reports from in-country sources indicate that six people in Tanzania’s Kagera region were infected with Marburg virus, with five fatalities reported on January 10, 2025.

“The cases exhibited similar symptoms, including headache, high fever, back pain, diarrhoea, haematemesis (vomiting blood), malaise (body weakness) and in the later stages of the disease, external hemorrhage (bleeding from body orifices),” WHO stated.

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The following day, nine suspected cases were reported across the districts of Biharamulo and Muleba, including eight deaths, resulting in a case fatality ratio (CFR) of 89%.

“Samples from two patients have been collected and are being tested at the National Public Health Laboratory, with results pending official confirmation. Contacts, including healthcare workers, have been identified and are under monitoring in both districts,” WHO added.

To prevent the spread of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD), individuals should take the following protective measures including minimizing the risk of human-to-human transmission by avoiding direct or close contact with infected individuals, especially their body fluids. Physical contact with MVD patients should be strictly avoided.

Anyone suspected or confirmed to have MVD should seek medical attention immediately and be isolated in a designated treatment center to receive early care and prevent transmission within households.

Community members and families should refrain from providing home care for symptomatic individuals and avoid handling the bodies of those who have died with symptoms of MVD.

When engaging in work, research, or tourist activities in mines or caves inhabited by fruit bat colonies, individuals should wear gloves and appropriate protective clothing, including masks.

During outbreaks, all animal products, such as blood and meat, should be thoroughly cooked before consumption.
National rapid response teams have been mobilized to support outbreak investigations and response efforts. Surveillance activities have been heightened, with contact tracing actively underway. Laboratory samples from recent cases have been submitted to the National Public Health Laboratory for confirmation.