Structures of #Marburgvirus #glycoprotein and its complex with NPC1 #receptor

 

Abstract

Marburgviruses (MBVs) cause severe haemorrhagic fever with higher fatality rates than Ebola virus (EBOV). Here we show that the MBV glycoprotein (GP) mediates viral entry more efficiently than EBOV GP. Using cryo-EM, we determined structures of MBV GP in three states: (1) unbound; (2) bound to its endosomal receptor NPC1; and (3) complexed with a neutralizing nanobody. The glycan cap shields the receptor-binding site from NPC1 but only partially from the nanobody, enabling limited immune evasion. After glycan cap cleavage, NPC1 binds to MBV GP in a distinct orientation compared with EBOV GP, providing an additional anchor and enhancing receptor affinity. NPC1 engagement also induces substantial conformational changes in MBV GP, probably facilitating membrane fusion. Furthermore, MBV GP is susceptible to the neutralizing nanobody, which mimics NPC1 at the receptor-binding site. Together, our findings reveal MBV GP as a highly efficient entry mediator and suggest structural mechanisms that may contribute to its enhanced entry efficiency.

Source: Nature, https://www.nature.com/

Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-026-10240-0

____

#Marburg virus disease - #Ethiopia [End of the Outbreak] (#WHO, Jan. 26 '26)

 

{Excerpt}

26 January 2026

Situation at a glance

On 26 January 2026, the Ministry of Health of Ethiopia declared the end of the Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak. 

This declaration came after two consecutive incubation periods (a total of 42 days) since the last person confirmed with MVD died and was given a safe and dignified burial, in accordance with WHO recommendations on 14 December 2025. 

As of 25 January 2026, a cumulative total of 19 cases, including 14 confirmed (including nine deaths) and five probable cases (all deaths), were reported. 

A total of 857 contacts listed for monitoring all had completed their 21-day follow-up as of 25 January 2026. 

WHO, through its country office and partners, provided technical, operational and financial support to the government to contain this outbreak.

Description of the situation

On 14 November 2025, after the laboratory confirmation of suspected viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) cases in Jinka town, South Ethiopia Regional State, Ethiopia, the Ministry of Health of Ethiopia declared an outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD). 

Molecular testing conducted by the National Reference Laboratory at the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) identified Marburg virus (MARV) in patient samples. 

This was the first time Ethiopia was reporting a MVD outbreak.

The first known case was an adult from Jinka town who developed symptoms on 23 October. 

The patient presented to the General Hospital the following day with vomiting, loss of appetite, and abdominal cramps. 

As of 25 January 2026, a cumulative total of 14 confirmed cases, including nine deaths (Case Fatality Rate (CFR) 64.3%) and five probable cases, all of whom had died, were reported by the Ministry of Health from Jinka, Malle and Dasench woredas in South Ethiopia Region and Hawassa in Sidama Region.

As of 25 January 2026, a total of 857 contacts were listed who completed 21 days of follow-up, 760 from the South Ethiopia Region and 97 from the Sidama Region. 

As of 5 January 2026, 3800 samples were tested for the virus.

On 26 January 2026, after two consecutive incubation periods (a total of 42 days), without a new confirmed case reported, after the last confirmed case died and was given a safe and dignified burial, on 14 December 2025, the Ministry of Health of Ethiopia declared the end of the MVD outbreak, as per WHO recommendations.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON592

____

#Genomic Insights into #Marburg Virus Strains from 2023 and 2025 #Outbreaks in Kagera, #Tanzania

 

Abstract

Marburg virus (MARV) is the primary cause of Marburg virus disease (MVD), a severe hemorrhagic fever with a high case-fatality rate. The first reported MVD outbreak in Tanzania occurred in 2023, followed by a second outbreak in 2025, both within the Kagera region. During those MVD outbreaks, 174 suspected cases were identified; of those, 10 were laboratory confirmed. After complete genome assembly and bioinformatic analyses, we found the MARV strains of the 2023 and 2025 outbreaks to be closely related and clustered with MARV strains that caused outbreaks in Rwanda (2024) and Uganda (2014). The sequences from both MVD outbreaks in Tanzania showed >99.71% nucleotide identity, suggesting a possible single spillover event followed by limited human-to-human virus transmission. Further ecologic studies are essential to identify potential spillover events, but our findings indicate that closely related MARV strains circulate in Kagera, Tanzania, posing a risk for future outbreak recurrence.

Source: 

Link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/32/1/25-1314_article

____

DREF #Operation: #Ethiopia #Marburg #Outbreak 2025 (MDRET039) (IFRC, Dec. 1 '25)

 

Description of the Event

Date when the trigger was met: 12-11-2025

What happened, where and when?

-- On 14 November 2025, the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), in collaboration with the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), issued a press release declaring an outbreak of Marburg virus disease in the South Region of Ethiopia. 

-- As of 26 November 2025, 78 laboratory tests have been conducted, of which twelve confirmed cases, including seven confirmed deaths, have been reported, three cases remain probable. 

-- Of the twelve confirmed cases, five are currently alive, three on treatment, and two discharged. 

-- More than 300 contacts have been identified and are under active follow-up. 

-- Given the high fatality potential and rapid transmissibility of Marburg, (MVD) an immediate and coordinated public health response is essential. 

- Early detection, isolation, contact tracing, and community sensitization are critical to prevent further spread by strengthening infection prevention and control (IPC) in health facilities, ensuring the safety of health workers, mobilizing rapid response teams (RRTs), and effective risk communication are key priorities at this stage.

-- An urgent response is warranted due to the potential for rapid local and cross-regional transmission, and significant public health threat associated with hemorrhagic fevers. 

-- Delayed intervention could result in high morbidity and mortality, community panic and overburdening of the health system. 

-- Immediate action will help contain the outbreak source, interrupt transmission chains, and protect both the affected population and health workers while laboratory confirmation and epidemiological investigations continue.

Source: 

Link: https://reliefweb.int/report/ethiopia/dref-operation-ethiopia-marburg-outbreak-2025-mdret039

____

#Ethiopia, #Prevention and #Control Activities for the #Marburg Virus Disease Have Been Strengthened and Are Ongoing (MoH, Nov. 26 '25): 73 confirmed/probable/suspected cases so far

 

The Ministry of Health and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) have released a press statement containing updated information regarding the Marburg virus disease.

They stated that laboratory tests have confirmed the occurrence of Marburg virus disease in the Southern Ethiopia Region. 

Up to now, 73 suspected individuals have been tested; among them, 6 patients have died due to the virus, as confirmed by the EPHI reference laboratory. Five additional patients are currently receiving treatment.

It was also noted that 349 people who had contact with the confirmed cases are under follow-up, and 119 of them have already completed their isolation period.

Dr. Mekdes Daba, Minister of Health, expressed condolences for those who lost their lives due to the virus and extended sympathy to their families, relatives, and friends.

She further explained that isolation centers have been established in affected areas, trained personnel are deployed, and essential medical supplies are being organized to provide strengthened medical care to patients. 

Additionally, Ethiopia is working with countries that previously experienced Marburg outbreaks to exchange expertise, learn from their experience, and access treatments and vaccines that have yielded positive results, ensuring they become available in the country for patients.

Dr. Mesay Hailu, Director of the Ethiopian Public Health Institute, confirmed that isolation centers, medical services, and trained staff are prepared should new cases appear. 

He added that even in regions where no cases have been detected, preparedness activities are underway. 

Screening procedures have also been strengthened at airports, border points, and other entry/exit locations.

Anyone who shows symptoms of the disease is urged to report immediately to the nearest health facility or call the toll-free numbers 8335 or 952. These hotlines also provide additional information and counseling services about the disease.

Source: 

Link: https://www.moh.gov.et/marburg-response

____

#Marburg virus disease - #Ethiopia (#WHO, D.O.N., Nov. 21 '25)

 

{Excerpts}

Situation at a glance

On 12 November 2025, WHO noted a press release from the Ethiopian Ministry of Health (MoH), and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), announcing suspected viral hemorrhagic viral fever (VHF) in Jinka town, South Ethiopia Regional State, Ethiopia. 

On 14 November 2025, the Ministry of Health of Ethiopia confirmed that the cases previously reported as suspected VHF were Marburg virus disease (MVD). 

Molecular testing conducted by the National Reference Laboratory at EPHI identified Marburg virus (MARV) in patient samples. 

As of 20 November 2025, 33 laboratory tests have been conducted, of which six confirmed cases, including three deaths, have been reported. 

Of the six confirmed cases, three are currently alive and on treatment. 

In addition to the lab-confirmed cases, a further three epidemiologically linked cases could not be tested; all three are deceased and recorded as probable cases. 

A total of 206 contacts have been identified, and contacts are under active follow-up. 

The number of contacts will continue to change as the response evolves. 

The source of the infection has not yet been identified. 

This marks the first confirmed outbreak of MVD in the country. 

Initial investigation by the one health team in Ethiopia show the presence of the natural host of the virus, fruit bats, in the area. 

MVD is a severe, often fatal illness, transmitted from bats to humans, and clinically similar to Ebola virus diseases. 

The disease has a case fatality ratio of up to 88%, but it can be much lower with good and early patient care. 

Under the leadership of the MoH, WHO is working alongside the Ethiopian response teams to enhance coordination, surveillance (including outbreak investigation, contact tracing, and alert management), case management, infection prevention and control measures, laboratory capacity, risk communication and community engagement. 

WHO assesses the public health risk posed by the outbreak as high at the national level, moderate at the regional level and low at the global level. 

Ethiopia is facing concurrent emergencies and multiple disease outbreaks, including of cholera, measles, dengue, which results in stretched health capacity.

Description of the situation

As of 20 November 2025, 33 laboratory tests have been conducted, of which six confirmed cases, including three deaths, have been reported. Of the six confirmed cases, three are currently alive and on treatment. In addition to the lab-confirmed cases, a further three epidemiologically linked cases could not be tested; all three are deceased and recorded as probable cases. A total of 206 contacts have been identified, and contacts are under active follow-up. The number of contacts will continue to change as the response evolves.

Clinically, patients have presented with high-grade fever, headache, vomiting, abdominal pain, and watery or bloody diarrhoea. Haemorrhagic manifestations, including nose bleeding and vomiting blood were observed in five cases, consistent with multi-organ failure.

As this is the first time Ethiopia is reporting MVD, WHO recommends that samples be shared with a reference laboratory for inter-laboratory comparison.

(...)

WHO risk assessment

This is the first confirmed MVD outbreak in Ethiopia.  The public health risk posed by the MVD outbreak is assessed as high at the national level due to several concerning factors:

-- The outbreak involves six laboratory-confirmed cases; there have been a total of six deaths and there are three confirmed cases under treatment.

-- All deaths involved unsupervised burials, posing a risk of potential additional community transmission.

-- The presence of healthcare workers among the confirmed cases suggests potential occupational exposure risks within health facilities.

-- Although investigations are ongoing, information on the source of the outbreak, geographical extent and epidemiology is limited.

-- Although no international transmission has been confirmed to date, the potential risk for spread remains. The affected area, Jinka, while distant from Ethiopia’s capital or major international airports, is connected by road transportation networks, including to neighbouring Kenya and South Sudan. Therefore, the public health risk posed by this event is assessed as moderate at the regional level. It is considered low at the global level.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON585

____

#Ethiopia confirms first #outbreak of #Marburg virus disease (#WHO AFRO, Nov. 15 '25)

 

14 November 2025

Addis Ababa—Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health has confirmed an outbreak of Marburg virus disease in the South Ethiopia Region, the first of its kind in the country, following laboratory testing of samples from a cluster of suspected cases of viral haemorrhagic fever.

Genetic analysis by the Ethiopia Public Health Institute revealed that the virus is of the same strain as the one that has been reported in previous outbreaks in other countries in East Africa. 

A total of nine cases have been reported in the outbreak that has affected Jinka town in the South Ethiopia Region.

The national authorities are scaling up response including community-wide screening, isolation of cases, treatment, contact tracing and public awareness campaigns to curb the spread of the Marburg virus, which is in the same family of viruses that cause Ebola virus disease.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and partners are supporting the government as it intensifies response to halt the spread of the virus and end the outbreak. A team of responders with expertise in viral haemorrhagic fever outbreak response has been deployed along with medical supplies and equipment.  

Marburg virus disease is a severe and often fatal illness caused by the Marburg virus. The disease is transmitted to humans from fruit bats and spreads among people through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated materials.

Initial symptoms include high fever, severe headache, muscle aches and fatigue. Many patients develop severe bleeding within a week of onset. Although several promising candidate medical countermeasures are currently undergoing clinical trials, there is no licensed therapeutic or vaccine for effective management or prevention of Marburg virus disease. However, early access to supportive treatment and care – rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids – and treatment of specific symptoms, improve survival.  

In the African region, previous outbreaks and sporadic cases have been reported in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda.

Source: World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, https://www.afro.who.int/countries/ethiopia/news/ethiopia-confirms-first-outbreak-marburg-virus-disease

____

#Marburg Virus #Disease in #Rwanda, 2024 — Public Health and Clinical Responses

 

Abstract

Background

On September 27, 2024, Rwanda reported an outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD), after a cluster of cases of viral hemorrhagic fever was detected at two urban hospitals.

Methods

We report key aspects of the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and treatment of MVD during this outbreak, as well as the overall response to the outbreak. We performed a retrospective epidemiologic and clinical analysis of data compiled across all pillars of the outbreak response and a case-series analysis to characterize clinical features, disease progression, and outcomes among patients who received supportive care and investigational therapeutic agents.

Results

Among the 6340 patients with suspected MVD who underwent testing, 66 had laboratory-confirmed MVD, 51 (77%) of whom were health care workers. The median estimated incubation period was 10 days (interquartile range, 8 to 13), and symptom onset occurred a median of 2 days (interquartile range, 1 to 3) before hospital admission. The results of epidemiologic investigations were highly suggestive of a zoonotic origin of the outbreak: an index patient was identified who had been exposed to Egyptian fruit bats at a mining site. The case fatality rate in the outbreak was 23% (15 deaths among 66 patients). Remdesivir and the monoclonal antibody MBP091 were used under expanded access and clinical trial protocols. In addition, 1710 frontline workers and high-risk contacts received the chimpanzee adenovirus 3–vectored vaccine ChAd3-MARV under emergency use authorization in a phase 2 clinical trial.

Conclusions

Implementation of containment measures, advanced supportive care, and access to investigational countermeasures may have contributed to reduced mortality from MVD in this outbreak. Enhancing surveillance, improving infection prevention and control in health care settings, and ensuring timely deployment of medical countermeasures will be critical for mitigating the effects of future filovirus disease outbreaks.

Source: The New England Journal of Medicine, https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2415816?query=TOC

____

#Outbreak of #Marburg Virus Disease, Equatorial Guinea, 2023

Abstract

In February 2023, the government of Equatorial Guinea declared an outbreak of Marburg virus disease. We describe the response structure and epidemiologic characteristics, including case-patient demographics, clinical manifestations, risk factors, and the serial interval and timing of symptom onset, treatment seeking, and recovery or death. We identified 16 laboratory-confirmed and 23 probable cases of Marburg virus disease in 5 districts and noted several unlinked chains of transmission and a case-fatality ratio of 90% (35/39 cases). Transmission was concentrated in family clusters and healthcare settings. The median serial interval was 18.5 days; most transmission occurred during late-stage disease. Rapid isolation of symptomatic case-patients is critical in preventing transmission and improving patient outcomes; community engagement and surveillance strengthening should be prioritized in emerging outbreaks. Further analysis of this outbreak and a One Health surveillance approach can help prevent and prepare for future potential spillover events.

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/5/24-1749_article

____

Jamaican fruit #bats’ competence for #Ebola but not #Marburg virus is driven by intrinsic differences

Abstract

Ebola virus (EBOV) and Marburg virus (MARV) are zoonotic filoviruses that cause hemorrhagic fever in humans. Correlative data implicate bats as natural EBOV hosts, but neither a full-length genome nor an EBOV isolate has been found in any bats sampled. Here, we model filovirus infection in the Jamaican fruit bat (JFB), Artibeus jamaicensis, by inoculation with either EBOV or MARV through a combination of oral, intranasal, and subcutaneous routes. Infection with EBOV results in systemic virus replication and oral shedding of infectious virus. MARV replication is transient and does not shed. In vitro, JFB cells replicate EBOV more efficiently than MARV, and MARV infection induces innate antiviral responses that EBOV efficiently suppresses. Experiments using VSV pseudoparticles or replicating VSV expressing the EBOV or MARV glycoprotein demonstrate an advantage for EBOV entry and replication early, respectively, in JFB cells. Overall, this study describes filovirus species-specific phenotypes for both JFB and their cells.

Source: Nature Communications, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-58305-4

____

#Marburg virus disease– United Republic of #Tanzania

Situation at a glance

On 13 March 2025, the Ministry of Health of the United Republic of Tanzania declared the end of the Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak. 

This declaration came after two consecutive incubation periods (a total of 42 days) since the last person confirmed with MVD died on 28 January 2025 and was given a safe and dignified burial, in accordance with WHO recommendations. 

No new confirmed cases were reported since then. 

The outbreak was declared on 20 January 2025. As of 12 March 2025, two confirmed and eight probable cases were reported by the Ministry of Health from Biharamulo district in Kagera region. All 10 cases died (case fatality ratio 100%), including eight who died before the confirmation of the outbreak. A total of 272 contacts that were listed for monitoring completed their 21-day follow-up as of 10 February 2025. WHO, through its country office, and partners provided technical, operational and financial support to the government to contain this outbreak. The risk of re-emergence of MVD remains after the official declaration of the end of the outbreak, linked to the animal reservoir’s presence in the country. WHO encourages maintaining early case detection and care capacities in addition to sustaining the ability to quickly respond, and continued risk communication and community engagement.

Description of the situation

Since the last Disease Outbreak News on this event, published on 14 February 2025, no new confirmed cases of Marburg virus disease (MVD) have been reported in the United Republic of Tanzania.

As of 12 March 2025, 10 cases have been reported including two confirmed and eight probable cases. All cases resulted in deaths, including eight who died before the confirmation of the outbreak and were classified as probable cases, resulting in a case fatality ratio of 100%.

The first identified case, an adult female, had symptom onset on 9 December and died on 16 December 2024. The last confirmed case died on 28 January, and a safe and dignified burial was performed. No new confirmed or probable cases have been reported following this burial. All 10 cases were reported from Biharamulo district in Kagera region; the median age of cases was 30 years (range: 1 to 75 years) and the majority of cases (70%, 7) were females.

Cumulatively, 108 suspected cases were reported between 20 January and 11 March, of which 106 tested negative for MVD.

As of 12 March 2025, 281 contacts had been listed, including nine who were subsequently classified as probable and confirmed cases and 272 contacts who completed 21 days of follow-up.

On 13 March 2025, after two consecutive incubation periods (a total of 42 days) without a new confirmed case being reported after the last confirmed case died on 28 January 2025, the Ministry of Health of the United Republic of Tanzania declared the end of the MVD outbreak, as per WHO recommendations.

(...)

Epidemiology

MVD is a highly virulent disease that can cause severe disease and is clinically similar to Ebola disease (EBOD). EBOD and MVD are caused by orthoebolaviruses and orthomarburgviruses respectively; both are members of the Filoviridae family (filovirus). People become infected after prolonged exposure to mines or caves inhabited by Rousettus fruit bat colonies, a type of fruit bat that can carry the Marburg virus.  Marburg virus then spreads between people via direct contact (through broken skin or mucous membranes) with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected people, and with surfaces and materials (e.g. bedding, clothing) contaminated with these fluids. Health workers have previously been infected while treating patients with MVD. Burial ceremonies that involve direct contact with the body of the deceased can also contribute to the transmission of Marburg virus.

The incubation period varies from two to 21 days. Illness caused by the Marburg virus begins abruptly, with a high fever, severe headache, and severe malaise. Severe watery diarrhoea, abdominal pain and cramping, nausea, and vomiting can begin on the third day. Although not all cases present with haemorrhagic signs, severe haemorrhagic manifestations may appear between five and seven days from symptom onset, and fatal cases usually have some form of bleeding, often from multiple areas of the body. In fatal cases, death occurs most often between eight and nine days after symptom onset, usually preceded by severe blood loss and shock. There is currently no approved treatment or vaccine for MVD. Some candidate vaccines and therapeutics are currently under investigation.

Eighteen outbreaks of MVD have previously been reported globally. The most recent outbreak was reported in Rwanda between September and December 2024. Additional countries that previously reported outbreaks of MVD in the African Region include Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda. 

Public health response

The Ministry of Health developed a national response plan to guide response activities.

A National Incident Management System was activated to coordinate the response to the event; a national task force was activated, and meetings were held weekly. At the sub-national level, regular coordination meetings were held daily in Kagera Region.

A national rapid response team was deployed to Kagera to enhance outbreak investigation and response, with technical and operational support from WHO and health partners.

WHO deployed experts to support the Ministry of Health with Emergency management and partner coordination, clinical management, health logistics, infection prevention and control, and other response activities in different pillars.

Surveillance activities were conducted with active case finding, contact tracing and mortality surveillance across affected and neighbouring areas.

The mobile laboratory deployed in Kabyaile was utilized to support the testing of suspect cases for rapid turnaround time, and samples were referred to the National Public Health Laboratory in Dar es Salaam for additional tests.  

Travellers departing from the Kagera Region were screened at key points of entry and exit, including Bukoba airport.

Health and care worker sensitization sessions on infection prevention and control were conducted across Kagera and other regions.

The Marburg Treatment Unit was upgraded with enhanced triage, patient wards, and donning and doffing areas.

Public awareness campaigns were conducted, including health education, door-to-door outreach by community health workers, and public announcements in high-risk areas.

Cross-border meetings were convened between Tanzania, Uganda, and Burundi.

WHO procured and delivered four VHF kits to Kagera region to support care for patients and infection prevention and control measures.

WHO risk assessment

With two confirmed cases and eight probable cases reported, this is the second MVD outbreak reported in the country in the last three years. Both outbreaks occurred in the same region of Kagera located at the border with Rwanda and Uganda. 

The case fatality ratio of 100% is concerning, although has been recorded in previous outbreaks, additionally 8 of the 10 cases were probable i.e. reported after their death. Late health seeking behaviour in MVD outbreaks increases the risk of further transmission.  

The source of the outbreak is still unknown, and research activities are planned. Based on the outbreak investigation and surveillance activities during the response, which included contact tracing, alert management, active case search, and mortality surveillance, no additional cases have been reported during the 42-day countdown period. However, there remains a risk of re-emergence of MVD following the declaration of the end of the outbreak, linked to a new spillover from interactions with the animal reservoir.

Based on the available information at the end of MVD outbreak in Tanzania, the risk is considered as moderate at the national level, and low at regional and global levels.

WHO advice

WHO encourages maintaining early detection and care capacities in addition to sustaining the ability to quickly respond after the outbreak ends. This is to make sure that if the disease re-emerges, health authorities can detect it immediately, prevent the disease from spreading again, and ultimately save lives.

Raising awareness of risk factors for Marburg virus infection and protective measures that individuals can take is an effective way to reduce human transmission. WHO advises the following risk reduction measures as an effective way to reduce MVD transmission in healthcare facilities and in communities:

-- Reducing the risk of bat-to-human transmission arising from prolonged exposure to mines or caves inhabited by fruit bat colonies. People visiting or working in mines or caves inhabited by fruit bat colonies should wear gloves and other appropriate protective clothing (including masks).

-- Capabilities for early detection of MVD patients should be maintained over time in settings at risk of the disease.

-- Reducing the risk of human-to-human transmission in the community arising from direct or close contact with infected patients, particularly with their body fluids. Close physical contact with MVD patients should be avoided. Patients suspected or confirmed for MVD should be isolated in a designated treatment centre for early care and to avoid transmission at home.

-- Communities affected by MVD, along with health authorities, should ensure that the population is well informed, both about the nature of the disease itself and about necessary outbreak containment measures.

-- Outbreak containment measures include safe and dignified burial of the deceased, identifying people who may have been in contact with someone infected with MVD and monitoring their health for 21 days, separating the healthy from the sick to prevent further spread and providing care to the confirmed patient. Maintaining good hygiene and a clean environment need to be observed.

-- Critical infection prevention and control measures should be implemented and/or strengthened in all health care facilities, per WHO’s Infection prevention and control guideline for Ebola and Marburg disease. Health workers caring for patients with confirmed or suspected MVD should apply transmission-based precautions in addition to: standard precautions, including appropriate use of PPE and hand hygiene according to the WHO 5 moments to avoid contact with patient’s blood and other body fluids and with contaminated surfaces and objects. Waste generated in healthcare facilities must be safely segregated, collected, transported, stored, treated and finally disposed. Follow the national guidelines, rules and regulations for safe waste disposal or follow the WHO’s guidelines on safe waste management.

-- Patient-care activities should be undertaken in a clean and hygienic environment that facilitates practices related to the prevention and control of health-care-associated infections (HAIs) as outlined in Essential environmental health standards in health care. Safe water, adequate sanitation and hygiene infrastructure and services should be provided in healthcare facilities. For details on recommendations and improvement, follow the WASH FIT implementation Package

-- WHO encourages countries to implement a comprehensive care programme to support people who have recovered from MVD (if any) with any subsequent sequelae and to enable them to access body fluid testing and to mitigate the risk of transmission through infected body fluids by adequate practices.

Based on the current risk assessment, WHO advises against any travel and trade restrictions with the United Republic of Tanzania.

(...)

Source: World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON559

____

#Marburg Virus Disease–United Republic of #Tanzania

 {Excerpt}

Situation at a glance

Since the declaration of the Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak on 20 January 2025 in the United Republic of Tanzania, one additional confirmed death was reported by the Ministry of Health from the epicentre of the outbreak in Biharamulo district in Kagera region. 

As of 10 February 2025, a cumulative of two confirmed and eight probable cases were reported by the Ministry of Health. 

All 10 cases have died, including eight who died before the confirmation of the outbreak. 

As of 10 February 2025, all 281 contacts that were listed and under monitoring have completed the 21-day follow-up. 

The Ministry of Health developed a national response plan to guide activities. Additionally, a national rapid response team was deployed to the affected region to enhance outbreak investigation and response, with technical and operational support from WHO and health partners.

Description of the situation

Since the previous Disease Outbreak News on this outbreak was published on 14 January 2025, two confirmed cases have been reported, and efforts are ongoing to ascertain the source of infection.

As of 10 February 2025, a cumulative of 10 cases have been reported including two confirmed and eight probable cases. All cases resulted in death, including eight who died before the confirmation of the outbreak. 

The two cases confirmed since the outbreak declaration died while in isolation at a designated MVD treatment centre.  

On 28 January, a safe and dignified burial was performed for the last confirmed case. No new confirmed or probable cases have been reported following this burial.

The presumptive index case, an adult female, had symptom onset on 9 December and died on 16 December 2024.  

All 10 cases were reported from Biharamulo district in Kagera region; the median age of cases was 30 years (range: 1 to 75 years) and the majority of cases (70%, 7) were females. 

Cumulatively, 90 suspected cases were reported between 20 January and 10 February, all of which tested negative for MVD.

As of 10 February 2025, all 281 contacts that were listed have completed 21 days of follow-up.

The first MVD outbreak in Tanzania was reported in March 2023 in Bukoba district in Kagera region, and zoonotic reservoirs, such as fruit bats, remain endemic to the area. The outbreak in March 2023 lasted for nearly two months with nine cases including six deaths.

Epidemiology

MVD is a highly virulent disease that can cause severe disease and is clinically similar to Ebola disease (EBOD).  

EBOD and MVD are caused by orthoebolaviruses and orthomarburgviruses respectively; both are members of the Filoviridae family (filovirus). 

People become infected after prolonged exposure to mines or caves inhabited by Rousettus fruit bat colonies, a type of fruit bat, that can carry the Marburg virus.  

Marburg virus then spreads between people via direct contact (through broken skin or mucous membranes) with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected people, and with surfaces and materials (e.g. bedding, clothing) contaminated with these fluids. 

Health workers have previously been infected while treating patients with suspected or confirmed MVD. 

Burial ceremonies that involve direct contact with the body of the deceased can also contribute to the transmission of Marburg virus.

The incubation period varies from two to 21 days. Illness caused by Marburg virus begins abruptly, with high fever, severe headache and severe malaise. Severe watery diarrhoea, abdominal pain and cramping, nausea and vomiting can begin on the third day. Although not all cases present with haemorrhagic signs, severe haemorrhagic manifestations may appear between five and seven days from symptoms onset, and fatal cases usually have some form of bleeding, often from multiple areas of the body. In fatal cases, death occurs most often between eight and nine days after symptom onset, usually preceded by severe blood loss and shock. 

There is currently no approved treatment or vaccine for MVD. Some candidate vaccines and therapeutics are currently under investigation.

Eighteen outbreaks of MVD have previously been reported globally. The most recent outbreak was reported from Rwanda between September and December 2024. Additional countries that previously reported outbreaks of MVD in the African Region include Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, South Africa, the United Republic of Tanzania and Uganda. 

Public health response

The Ministry of Health developed a national response plan to guide response activities.

A National Incident Management System was activated to coordinate the response to the event and a national task force was activated, and meetings are held weekly. At the sub-national level, regular coordination meetings are being held in Kagera Region.

A national rapid response team was deployed to the affected region to enhance outbreak investigation and response, with technical and operational support from WHO and health partners.

WHO has deployed experts to support the MoH with partner coordination and other response activities in different pillars.

Surveillance activities continue with active case finding and contact tracing across affected areas.

The mobile laboratory deployed in Kabaile continues to support the testing of suspect cases for rapid turnaround time, and samples are referred to the central public health laboratory in Dar es Salaam for additional tests. Additionally, genomic sequencing was conducted on the two positive samples.

Screening of travellers departing from Kagera Region continues at key points of entry and exit, including Bukoba airport.

Healthcare worker sensitization sessions on infection prevention and control are ongoing across Kagera and other regions.

The Marburg Treatment Unit has been upgraded with enhanced triage, patient wards, and donning and doffing areas. Public awareness campaigns, including health education, door-to-door outreach by community health workers, and public announcements in high-risk areas, are ongoing.

Cross border meetings have been convened between Tanzania, Uganda and Burundi.

WHO has procured and delivered four VHF kits to Kagera region to support the response.

WHO risk assessment

The risk of this MVD outbreak is assessed as high at the national level due to several concerning factors. The outbreak thus far involves 10 cases (eight probable and two confirmed), including 10 deaths, resulting in a CFR of 100%. One case was a healthcare worker, highlighting the risk of nosocomial transmission. The source of the outbreak is still unknown. The delayed detection and isolation of cases could lead to a missed chain of transmission.

The regional risk is considered high due to Kagera's strategic location as a transit hub, with significant cross-border movement of the population to Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This highlights the potential for spread into neighbouring countries.  MVD is not easily transmissible (i.e. in most instances, it requires contact with the body fluids of a sick patient presenting with symptoms or with surfaces contaminated with these fluids). However, it cannot be excluded that a person exposed to the virus may travel.

The global risk is currently assessed as low. There is no confirmed international spread at this stage, although there are concerns about potential risks. Kagera region of Tanzania, while not close to the country’s capital or major international airports, is well-connected through transportation networks, and has an airport that connects to Dar es Salaam for onward travel outside Tanzania by air. This highlights the need for enhanced surveillance and case management capacities at relevant points of entry and along borders, as well as close coordination with neighbouring countries to strengthen readiness capacities.

(...)

Source: World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON554

_____

#Tanzania confirms #outbreak of #Marburg virus disease

Dodoma, 20 January 2025 – Tanzania today confirmed an outbreak of Marburg virus disease in the northwestern Kagera region after one case tested positive for the virus following investigations and laboratory analysis of suspected cases of the disease.

President of the Republic of Tanzania, Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, made the announcement during a press briefing alongside World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in the country’s administrative capital Dodoma.

“Laboratory tests conducted in Kabaile Mobile Laboratory in Kagera and later confirmed in Dar es Salaam identified one patient as being infected with the Marburg virus. Fortunately, the remaining suspected patients tested negative,” the president said. “We have demonstrated in the past our ability to contain a similar outbreak and are determined to do the same this time around.”

A total of 25 suspected cases have been reported as of 20 January 2025, all of whom have tested negative and are currently under close follow-up, the president said. The cases have been reported in Biharamulo and Muleba districts in Kagera.

“We have resolved to reassure the general public in Tanzania and the international community as a whole of our collective determination to address the global health challenges, including the Marburg virus disease,” said H.E President Hassan.

WHO is supporting Tanzanian health authorities to enhance key outbreak control measures including disease surveillance, testing, treatment, infection prevention and control, case management, as well as increasing public awareness among communities to prevent further spread of the virus.

“WHO, working with its partners, is committed to supporting the government of Tanzania to bring the outbreak under control as soon as possible, and to build a healthier, safer, fairer future for all the people of Tanzania,” said Dr Tedros. “Now is a time for collaboration, and commitment, to protecting the health of all people in Tanzania, and the region, from the risks posed by this disease.”

Marburg virus disease is highly virulent and causes haemorrhagic fever. It belongs to the same family as the virus that causes Ebola virus disease. Illness caused by Marburg virus begins abruptly. Patients present with high fever, severe headache and severe malaise. They may develop severe haemorrhagic symptoms within seven days.

“The declaration by the president and the measures being taken by the government are crucial in addressing the threat of this disease at the local and national levels as well as preventing potential cross-border spread,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “Our priority is to support the government to rapidly scale up measures to effectively respond to this outbreak and safeguard the health of the population,”

Tanzania previously reported an outbreak of Marburg in March 2023 – the country’s first – in Kagera region, in which a total of nine cases (eight confirmed and one probable) and six deaths were reported, with a case fatality ratio of 67%.

In the African region, previous outbreaks and sporadic cases have been reported in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, South Africa and Uganda.

Marburg virus is transmitted to people from fruit bats and spreads among humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, surfaces and materials. Although several promising candidate medical countermeasures are currently undergoing clinical trials, there is no licensed treatment or vaccine for effective management or prevention of Marburg virus disease. However, early access to treatment and supportive care – rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids – and treatment of specific symptoms, improve survival.

Source: ReliefWeb, https://reliefweb.int/report/united-republic-tanzania/tanzania-confirms-outbreak-marburg-virus-disease

_____

#Outbreak of suspected #Marburg Virus Disease - United Republic of #Tanzania

Description of the situation

Introduction

On 13 January 2025, WHO informed its Member States and IHR State Parties of an outbreak of suspected Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) in the Kagera region of the United Republic of Tanzania using our secure web-based platform—the Event Information Site (EIS). Under the International Health Regulations, the EIS is used to issue rapid alerts to Member States of acute and rapidly developing public health risks and events with possible international implications.

Summary of the situation

On 10 January 2025, WHO received reliable reports from in-country sources regarding suspected cases of MVD in the Kagera region of the United Republic of Tanzania. Six people were reported to have been affected, five of whom had died. The cases presented with similar symptoms of headache, high fever, back pain, diarrhoea, haematemesis (vomiting with blood), malaise (body weakness) and, at a later stage of disease, external haemorrhage (bleeding from orifices).

As of 11 January 2025, nine suspected cases were reported including eight deaths (case fatality ratio (CFR) of 89%) across two districts – Biharamulo and Muleba.  Samples from two patients have been collected and tested by the National Public Health Laboratory. Results are pending official confirmation. Contacts, including healthcare workers, are reported to have been identified and under follow-up in both districts.

The Bukoba district in Kagera region experienced its first MVD outbreak in March 2023, and zoonotic reservoirs, such as fruit bats, remain endemic to the area. The outbreak in March 2023 lasted for nearly two months with nine cases including six deaths.

Public health response

National rapid response teams have been deployed to support outbreak investigation and response; surveillance activities have been intensified with contact tracing ongoing; laboratory samples from recent cases have been sent for confirmation at the National Public Health Laboratory. A mobile laboratory is located in Kagera region and treatment units have reportedly been established.

WHO risk assessment

The risk of this suspected MVD outbreak is assessed as high at the national level due to several concerning factors. The suspected outbreak thus far involves at least nine suspected cases, including eight deaths, resulting in a high CFR of 89%. Healthcare workers are included among the suspected cases affected, highlighting the risk of nosocomial transmission. The source of the outbreak is currently unknown.

The reporting of suspected MVD cases from two districts suggests geographic spread. The delayed detection and isolation of cases, coupled with ongoing contact tracing, indicates lack of a full information of the current outbreak. More cases are expected to be identified.

The regional risk is considered high due to Kagera region's strategic location as a transit hub, with significant cross-border movement of the population to Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Reportedly, some of the suspected cases are in districts near international borders, highlighting the potential for spread into neighbouring countries.  MVD is not easily transmissible (i.e. in most instances, it requires contact with the body fluids of a sick patient presenting with symptoms or with surfaces contaminated with these fluids). However, it cannot be excluded that a person exposed to the virus may be travelling.

The global risk is currently assessed as low. There is no confirmed international spread at this stage, although there are concerns about potential risks. Kagera region, while not close to Tanzania's capital or major international airports, is well-connected through transportation networks, and has an airport that connects to Dar es Salaam for onward travel outside Tanzania by air. This highlights the need for enhanced surveillance and case management capacities at relevant points of entry and borders, and close coordination with neighbouring countries to strengthen readiness capacities.

WHO advice

Human-to-human transmission of Marburg virus is primarily associated with direct contact with the blood and/or other bodily fluids of infected people. WHO advises the following risk reduction measures be taken as an effective way to reduce MVD transmission and control an outbreak.

* Prevention: Protective measures individuals should take to reduce human exposure to the virus include:

-- Reduce the risk of human-to-human transmission in the community arising from direct or close contact with infected patients, particularly with their body fluids. Close physical contact with MVD patients should be avoided.

-- People suspected or confirmed for MVD should immediately seek care in health facilities and be isolated in a designated treatment centre for early care and to avoid transmission at home. 

-- Community and family members should avoid caring for symptomatic individuals at home, and avoid touching bodies of people deceased with MVD symptoms. They should avoid touching other potentially contaminated items and surfaces. They should be encouraged to go to a health facility for assessment and treatment if they have symptoms.

-- Reduce the risk of bat-to-human transmission arising from prolonged exposure to mines or caves inhabited by fruit bat colonies. During work or research activities or tourist visits in mines or caves inhabited by fruit bat colonies, people should wear gloves and other appropriate protective clothing (including masks). During outbreaks, all animal products (blood and meat) should be thoroughly cooked before consumption.

* Coordination: Multisectoral coordination and pillar meetings at all levels and sharing of detailed situation reports is encouraged. Involvement of different stakeholders and partners in preparedness and response activities is also encouraged. To ensure an effective and sustained response, resource mobilization efforts within the government and with partners are recommended.

* Risk communication and community engagement: Raising public awareness and engaging with communities are important for successfully controlling MVD outbreaks. This includes raising awareness of symptoms, risk factors for infection, protective measures and the importance of seeking immediate care at a health facility. Sensitive and supportive information about safe and dignified burials is also crucial. This awareness should be increased through targeted campaigns and direct work with communities. Special attention should be given to high-risk groups, such as traditional healers, clergy, and community leaders, who may inadvertently facilitate disease spread, and who are important sources of information for the community. Misinformation and rumours should be addressed to foster trust and promote early symptom reporting.

* Surveillance: Active case detection, contact tracing, and alert management across affected and neighbouring regions should be intensified. Community-based surveillance systems should be strengthened to promptly identify and report new cases, particularly in high-risk areas. Close monitoring of healthcare workers, family members and individuals who have had contact with suspected cases or other high-exposure settings should be ensured. Surveillance capacities should also be intensified at relevant points of entry and borders to reduce the risk of further spread, including internationally.

* Infection prevention and control (IPC) measures: critical infection prevention and control measures should be implemented and/or strengthened in all health care facilities, per WHO’s Infection prevention and control guideline for Ebola and Marburg disease, which highlighted the importance of the rapid implementation of the IPC ring approach including but not limited to IPC rapid assessment, decontamination of the health facilities and household and early detection and identification of the cases through the screening and isolation of the suspected cases to minimize the transmission risk.

* Health workers caring for patients with confirmed or suspected MVD should apply transmission-based precautions in addition to: standard precautions, including appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and hand hygiene according to the WHO 5 moments to avoid contact with patient’s blood and other body fluids and with contaminated surfaces and objects. Waste generated in healthcare facilities must be safely segregated, safely collected, transported, stored, treated and finally disposed. Follow the national guidelines, rules and regulations for safe waste disposal or follow the WHO’s guidelines on safe waste management 

* Patient-care activities should be undertaken in a clean and hygienic environment that facilitates practices related to the prevention and control of health-care-associated infections (HAIs) as outlined in Essential environmental health standards in health care. Safe water, adequate sanitation and hygiene infrastructure and services should be provided in healthcare facilities. For details on recommendations and improvement, follow the WASH FIT implementation Package

* Laboratory testing: The processing and analysis of samples should be expedited, with results promptly shared with responders and clinicians to guide patient management, containment strategies and broader response efforts. This includes genomic sequencing on positive samples. International referral of samples to a regional reference laboratory should be considered for inter-laboratory comparison.

* Evaluation of candidate medical countermeasures: There are no licensed vaccines or therapeutics against MVD. Several candidate vaccines are in the pipeline and outbreaks offer an opportunity to assess their efficacy and safety. There are protocols available and a network of experts in filovirus ready to support national researchers. 

* Safe and dignified burials: Safe and dignified burial protocols should be implemented for people who have died to minimize community exposure. Additional training and equipment for healthcare workers and burial teams should be provided to ensure safe management of MVD-related fatalities. Thorough community engagement is required to ensure that affected communities are empowered to adhere to the protocol.

* Case management and mental health and psychosocial support: Isolation and treatment facilities should be adequately equipped to ensure the safety and efficacy of patient care, while simultaneously preventing the spread of the disease. Supportive care such as rehydration, symptom management, and psychological support for patients and their families is essential to improving survival rates and mitigating the outbreak's impact.

* Border health and cross-border coordination: Surveillance and response capacities should be strengthened at relevant points of entry, onboard conveyances, and in border regions to prevent further spread, including internationally. Cases, contacts and individuals in affected areas who present signs and symptoms compatible with case definitions should be advised not to travel in line with WHO’s border health and points of entry technical guidance for filovirus disease outbreaks. Collaboration with neighbouring countries should be enhanced to harmonize reporting mechanisms, conduct joint investigations, and share critical data in real-time. Surrounding countries should enhance readiness activities to enable early case detection, isolation and treatment.

* Preparedness and Readiness: Readiness assessments in high-risk regions should be conducted to ensure response mechanisms, such as mobile labs and isolation units, are adequately equipped to manage new cases.

Based on the current risk assessment, WHO advises against any travel and trade restrictions with the United Republic of Tanzania.

Further information

-- WHO Factsheet- Marburg virus disease https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/marburg-virus-disease

-- Infection prevention and control guidelines for Ebola and Marburg disease, August 2023.  https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-WPE-CRS-HCR-2023.1

- WHO Questions and Answers – Marburg virus disease.https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/marburg-virus-disease  Risk communication and community engagement for Marburg virus disease outbreaks. Interim Guidance November 2024.  https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/379761/B09185-eng.pdf?sequence=1

-- Steps to putting on PPE for Ebola/Marburg coverall.  https://www.who.int/multi-media/details/steps-to-put-on-ppe-for-ebola-marburg-disease-coverall

-- Steps to removing PPE for Ebola/Marburg disease coverall.  https://www.who.int/multi-media/details/steps-to-remove-ppe-for-ebola-marburg-disease-coverall

-- Steps to putting on PPE for Ebola/Marburg gown and headcover.  https://www.who.int/multi-media/details/steps-to-put-on-ppe-for-ebola-marburg-disease-gown-and-headcover

-- Steps to removing PPE for Ebola/Marburg gown and headcover.  https://www.who.int/multi-media/details/steps-to-remove-ppe-for-ebola-marburg-disease-gown-and-headcover

-- Standard precautions for the prevention and control of infections: aide-memoire.  https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-UHL-IHS-IPC-2022.1

-- Transmission-based precautions for the prevention and control of infections: aide-memoire.  https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-UHL-IHS-IPC-2022.2

-- Essential environmental health standards in healthcare facilities- https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241547239 

-- WASH FIT implementation for WASH improvements in healthcare facilities WASH FIT Fact Sheets | WASH in Health Care Facilities (washinhcf.org) https://www.washinhcf.org/wash-fit-fact-sheets/

-- World Health Organization (March 2009). Hand hygiene technical reference manual: to be used by health-care workers, trainers and observers of hand hygiene practices.  https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241598606

-- Ebola and Marburg diseases screening and treatment center design training.  https://openwho.org/courses/ebola-marburg-screen-treat-facilities

-- World Health Organization (2 June 2023). Disease Outbreak News; Marburg virus disease in the United Republic of Tanzania.  https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2023-DON471

-- Markotter W, Coertse J, DeVries M, et al.  Bat-borne viruses in Africa: a critical review. J of Zoology. 2020;311:77-98. doi:10.1111/jzo.12769.  https://zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jzo.12769(link is external)

-- Korine C Rousettus aegyptiacus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T29730A22043105. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/29730/22043105

-- Cross RW, Longini IM, Becker S, Bok K, Boucher D, Carroll MW, et al. (2022) An introduction to the Marburg virus vaccine consortium, MARVAC. PLoS Pathog 18(10): e1010805. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1010805

-- A WHO-Strategic Research Agenda for Filovirus Research and Monitoring (WHO-AFIRM). https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/a-who-strategic-research-agenda-for-filovirus-research-and-monitoring-----(who-afirm)

-- Building research readiness for a future filovirus outbreak, Workshop February 20 - 22, 2024, Uganda https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2024/02/20/default-calendar/building-research-readiness-for-a-future-filovirus-outbreak-workshop-february-20-22-2024-uganda

-- WHO Technical Advisory Group – candidate vaccine prioritization.  Summary of the evaluations and recommendations on the four Marburg vaccines.   https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/who-technical-advisory-group---candidate-vaccine-prioritization.--summary-of-the-evaluations-and-recommendations-on-the-four-marburg-vaccines

-- Marburg virus vaccine landscape  https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/marburg-virus-vaccine-landscape

-- Marburgvirus therapeutics landscape https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/marburg-virus-therapeutics-landscape

-- Considerations for border health and points of entry for filovirus disease outbreaks: https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/considerations-for-border-health-and-points-of-entry-for-filovirus-disease-outbreaks

Citable reference: World Health Organization (14 January 2024). Disease Outbreak News; Outbreak of suspected Marburg Virus Disease in the United Republic of Tanzania. Available at: https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON552

Source: World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON552

_____

#Marburg virus disease - #Rwanda

 {Summary}

Situation at a glance

On 20 December 2024, after two consecutive incubation periods (total of 42 days) since the second negative PCR test was conducted on 7 November for the last confirmed Marburg case, and without a new confirmed case reported, the Ministry of Health of Rwanda declared the end of the Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak, as per the WHO recommendations. 

The outbreak had been declared on 27 September 2024. 

As of 19 December 2024, 66 confirmed cases,15 deaths with a case fatality ratio (CFR) of 23%, and 51 recovered cases have been reported. 

The last confirmed case was reported on 30 October 2024. 

WHO through its country office and development partners provided technical and financial support to the government to contain this outbreak. 

The risk of re-emergence of MVD still remains even after the official declaration of the end of the outbreak, linked to viral persistence in body fluids (mostly semen) of recovered patients and the animal reservoir in the country. 

WHO encourages maintaining early case detection and care capacities in addition to sustaining the ability to quickly respond, also underscoring the importance of the recovered patient program, psychosocial support, and continued risk communication and community engagement.

(...)

Source: World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2024-DON548

_____