Tanzanian Health Authorities Declare End of Second Marburg Virus Outbreak

Tanzanian health authorities have officially declared the end of the country's second outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) after a significant period of 42 days without any new cases, following the death of the last confirmed patient on January 28. Minister of Health Jenista Mhagama announced on March 13, 2025, that the country had met the World Health Organization’s (WHO) criteria for declaring the outbreak over. President Samia Suluhu Hassan initially declared the outbreak on January 20. This marked Tanzania’s second recorded MVD outbreak, with the previous outbreak in 2023 resulting in nine cases and six fatalities. Though the recent outbreak has been officially declared over, health officials remain cautious, as the country still faces potential threats from other infectious diseases such as Ebola and mpox (formerly known as monkeypox). In the wake of this outbreak, stringent health measures were enacted, including health screenings at all entry points into Tanzania. Travellers have been subjected to body temperature checks and health questionnaires to prevent further spread of MVD. With the World Health Organization's support, more than 1,000 frontline health workers were trained in disease surveillance, contact tracing, and public health communications. The WHO has applauded the commitment of Tanzanian health authorities and partners in controlling the spread of this potentially fatal virus. Charles Sagoe-Moses, the WHO representative in Tanzania, highlighted the importance of remaining vigilant and prepared for any resurgence of cases. He noted that while the outbreak is over, ongoing support for affected families is essential. Marburg virus, part of the same family as Ebola, is characterized by hemorrhagic fever and severe symptoms such as high fever, muscle pain, vomiting, and severe complications leading to bleeding. The virus is transmitted from fruit bats to humans and spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids. Currently, there are no approved vaccines or antiviral treatments available for MVD. The conclusion of this outbreak underscores the critical role that health education and surveillance play in managing infectious diseases. However, the recent outbreak serves as a reminder of the persistent threats posed by zoonotic diseases and the necessity of public health preparedness in regions prone to such outbreaks. The article has been analyzed and reviewed by artificial intelligence to ensure comprehensive coverage and clarity in reporting. It highlights not only the successful containment of the MVD outbreak but also emphasizes the importance of continuous health monitoring and preparedness against emerging infectious diseases.