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Tanzania has officially declared the end of its second Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak, marking a significant milestone in the country’s public health efforts. The announcement, made by Health Minister Jenista Mhagama on March 13, 2025, comes after 42 days without any new cases, meeting the World Health Organization’s (WHO) criteria for declaring an outbreak over. However, the country remains vigilant as it issues an alert for Mpox following the confirmation of two cases earlier this month.
The Marburg outbreak, which began in January 2025 in the northwestern Kagera region, resulted in two confirmed cases and eight probable cases, all of whom succumbed to the disease. The last confirmed case was reported on January 28, and no new infections have been detected since. Minister Mhagama praised the swift and coordinated response by health authorities, WHO, and other partners, which included disease surveillance, contact tracing, and public awareness campaigns.
“The dedication of our frontline health workers and the support of our partners have been instrumental in containing this outbreak,” Mhagama stated. “While we celebrate this achievement, we must remain vigilant against other infectious diseases, including Mpox and Ebola, which continue to pose a threat.”
The Marburg virus, a highly virulent pathogen causing hemorrhagic fever, belongs to the same family as the Ebola virus. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, and internal bleeding, often leading to fatal outcomes. The outbreak in Kagera was Tanzania’s second in two years, following a 2023 outbreak that claimed six lives. Health authorities have since strengthened their capacity to detect and respond to such outbreaks, with over 1,000 health workers trained in emergency response measures.
Despite the successful containment of Marburg, Tanzania is now grappling with the emergence of Mpox, a rare viral disease that has recently been declared a public health emergency of international concern by WHO. The Tanzanian Ministry of Health confirmed two Mpox cases on March 10, involving a truck driver who traveled from a neighboring country and another individual whose location has not been disclosed. Both patients are in isolation and receiving medical care.
Mpox, which is caused by the monkeypox virus, typically presents with symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, and a distinctive rash. While most cases are mild, complications can arise, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems. The Tanzanian government has issued a travel advisory to curb the spread of the virus, implementing measures such as temperature checks and physical observation at all points of entry. Travelers displaying symptoms will undergo further evaluation and, if necessary, be taken to designated health facilities for testing and treatment.
Health authorities have also urged the public to adhere to preventive measures, including frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and reporting suspected cases to health officials. “We are taking every precaution to prevent the spread of Mpox and protect our citizens,” said Dr. Seif Shekalaghe, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health. “Our response will be guided by science and the lessons learned from previous outbreaks.”
The dual challenges of managing infectious disease outbreaks underscore the importance of robust healthcare systems and international collaboration. WHO has commended Tanzania’s efforts in containing Marburg and pledged continued support in addressing Mpox and other public health threats. “The end of the Marburg outbreak is a testament to the power of coordinated action,” said Dr. Charles Sagoe-Moses, WHO Representative in Tanzania. “We remain committed to supporting Tanzania in its ongoing efforts to safeguard public health.”
As Tanzania navigates these public health challenges, the focus remains on building resilience and preparedness to tackle future outbreaks. The country’s proactive approach serves as a model for other nations facing similar threats, highlighting the critical role of vigilance, collaboration, and community engagement in combating infectious diseases.