Tanzania is currently grappling with an outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD), a highly fatal zoonotic haemorrhagic disease caused by the Marburg virus. The Ministry of Health has reported eight confirmed cases and five deaths, including a healthcare worker, in the northwestern region of Bukoba. The case fatality rate is at 63%, and three patients are currently undergoing treatment.
This is the first time that Tanzania has reported a confirmed case of MVD, and the high population mobility in the region poses a risk of cross-border spread. To support response efforts in Tanzania, the African Union's Africa CDC has deployed a team of experts to the country and is engaging with the Ministry of Health to understand the cross-border context of the outbreak.
Ahmed Ogwell Ouma, the Acting Director of Africa CDC, has emphasized the need to strengthen health security across the continent to cope with disease threats. "These emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases are a sign that the health security of the continent needs to be strengthened," he said. "We urge members of the public to continue sharing information in a timely manner with the authorities to enable a most effective response."
MVD is transmitted through direct contact with body fluids from infected individuals or contaminated surfaces. There is currently no licensed vaccine or approved treatment for MVD, but supportive care can improve survival rates. Vaccine research has been slow due to the rarity of outbreaks and limited funding, but some promising candidates have been identified in preclinical studies.
The outbreak of MVD in Tanzania highlights the ongoing threat of emerging infectious diseases and the need for coordinated global efforts to prevent and respond to such outbreaks. The establishment of organizations like the Africa CDC is a positive step in this direction, as it allows for a more coordinated and effective response to disease outbreaks across the continent.
As the world continues to face new and emerging threats to global health, it is crucial that Africa prioritize investments in public health infrastructure and research. By doing so, we can better prepare for and respond to outbreaks of infectious diseases, and prevent them from causing widespread harm and devastation.
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Article by RB Reporter
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