Tanzania has successfully contained its second Marburg virus outbreak, with health authorities and international partners emphasizing the importance of swift response measures and community engagement in controlling the deadly disease.

The outbreak, which began on January 20, 2025, in the northeastern Kagera region, resulted in two confirmed and eight probable deaths. The last recorded case succumbed to the virus on January 28, and after 42 consecutive days without new infections, the government has officially declared the outbreak over.

Health experts credit Tanzania’s rapid containment efforts, which included heightened disease surveillance, infection prevention protocols, and extensive community awareness campaigns. The World Health Organization (WHO), alongside other partners, provided critical support in coordinating these measures.

Dr. Charles Sagoe-Moses, WHO Representative in Tanzania, praised the collaborative response. “The dedication of frontline health workers and the efforts of national authorities and our partners have paid off,” he said. “While the outbreak has been declared over, we remain vigilant and ready to respond swiftly if any new cases emerge.” he stated.

The WHO African Region highlighted that Tanzania’s experience with a previous outbreak in 2023 helped authorities implement more effective strategies this time. The government has urged communities to remain alert and report any suspicious symptoms promptly to prevent future outbreaks.

Marburg virus, a highly infectious pathogen related to Ebola, causes severe hemorrhagic fever with a high fatality rate. It spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces, making early detection and swift containment crucial in managing outbreaks.

While Tanzania has overcome this latest health crisis, officials stress that the fight against viral hemorrhagic fevers is ongoing, and preparedness remains key to protecting public health.