Tanzania Declares the End of Deadly Virus

A total of eight cases of the  Marburg virus have been reported in Tanzania since the outbreak of the disease two months ago. Eight were confirmed and one probable case, six deaths were recorded in the northwestern region of Kagera, the WHO said in a statement.

The last case that was confirmed on April 19 and tested negative started off the country on a 42-day mandatory lockdown and countdown to declare the end of the outbreak.

“With the investments being made to prepare for and tackle health emergencies in the region, we are responding even faster and more effectively to save lives, livelihoods and safeguard health,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.

“Thanks to these efforts, Tanzania has been able to end this outbreak and limit the potentially devastating impacts of a highly infectious disease,” Dr Moeti added.

According to the UN health agency, it was reported that Tanzania has experienced its first outbreak.

On 21st March, The Ministry of Health in Tanzania declared its first outbreak in the country.

The 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. There are no vaccines or antiviral treatments approved to treat the virus. However, supportive care – rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids – and treatment of specific symptoms, improve survival.