Biharamulo, Tanzania – A workforce of public health emergency experts from World Health Group (WHO) has deployed to Tanzania’s north-western Kagera site to support the health authorities fortify response to an outbreak of Marburg virus illness.
The WHO experts are allotment of an initial 20-member inter-company workforce from Médecins Sans Frontières, Tanzania Crimson Wicked Society and UNICEF in the self-discipline working with nationwide and local health officials to reinforce illness surveillance, diagnostic capacity, ensure effective case management, and support fortify public awareness to forestall additional transmission of the virus.
WHO has also shipped 1.4 tonnes of distinguished medical supplies including diagnostic kits and non-public protective equipment to Tanzania from its Regional Emergency Response Hub in Nairobi. As of 23 January 2025, there had been two confirmed and 29 suspected cases reported. A total of 281 contacts are being carefully monitored.
“Our point of interest is to quit the unfold of the virus and save lives by working carefully with the authorities to make certain a coordinated and effective response,” mentioned Dr Charles Sagoe-Moses, WHO E book in Tanzania.
The continuing outbreak is Tanzania’s second of Marburg virus illness, following a a hit containment of the first in 2023, which took place in the same site. Classes realized from that contain, coupled with the authorities’s investments in emergency preparedness, are proving distinguished in addressing the sleek predicament.
WHO is committed to working with Tanzanian authorities and partners to bring the outbreak below control. The Group has allocated US$ 3 million from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies to support traipse the outbreak control efforts.
Marburg virus illness is a extremely contagious sickness that causes haemorrhagic fever. It spreads thru affirm contact with the bodily fluids of contaminated other folks or rotten materials. Though there don’t appear to be any permitted remedies or vaccines, early supportive care can vastly strengthen outcomes for sufferers.