Tanzania’s health ministry confirmed on Tuesday that five people have died and three others are being treated for Ebola-like Marburg disease.
Health Minister Ummy Mwalimu said the cases had been identified in the western Kagera region and the government had managed to control the spread to other regions.
Like Ebola, Marburg virus originates in bats and spreads between people through close contact with infected people’s bodily fluids or surfaces, such as contaminated bed sheets. Without treatment, Marburg can be fatal in up to 88% of people.
Marburg outbreaks and single cases have been recorded in the past in Angola, Congo, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda and Ghana, according to the World Health Organization.
Kenya and Uganda are on high alert due to recent cases in Tanzania.
UGANDA PLEASANTLY APPROVES A DRAFT LAW THAT ENABLES 10-YEAR PRISON PENALTIES FOR OVMO-SEX RELATIONSHIPS
Tanzanian officials have confirmed that five have died from Ebola-like Marburg disease. (Fox News)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
WHO representative Zabulon Yoti, speaking at the Tanzanian health ministry’s press conference, praised the government for what he called its swift response and transparency.
Acting director of the African Union public health agency Ahmed Ogwell Ouma tweeted that the Africa CDC will immediately step in to strengthen the response and limit the spread of the disease.
The rare virus was first identified in 1967 after causing simultaneous outbreaks in laboratories in Marburg, Germany, and Belgrade, Serbia. Seven people have died who were exposed to the virus while conducting research on monkeys.
There are no vaccines or drugs licensed to treat Marburg, but rehydration treatment to relieve symptoms can improve the chances of survival.
