NewsDesk @bactiman63

In a follow-up on the outbreak of unknown etiology in Tanzania, health officials announced today the cause of the outbreak that killed five people and hospitalized three others in Kagera province is Marburg virus disease (MVD).

The National Laboratory has confirmed the presence of the Marburg virus, officials reported on Twitter.

The Wizara ya Afya Tanzania issued the below public notice today:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of the fatalities reported was in a health care worker.  A total of 161 contacts have been identified and being monitored.

The World Health Organization announced they will be deploying an emergency team to Kagera to carry out further epidemiological investigations. The emergency team will focus on active case finding in the community and local health care facilities to identify more contacts and provide them with appropriate care.

Marburg virus disease is highly virulent and causes hemorrhagic fever, with a fatality ratio of up to 88%. It is in the same family as the virus that causes Ebola virus disease. Illness caused by Marburg virus begins abruptly, with high fever, severe headache and severe malaise. Many patients develop severe haemorrhagic symptoms within seven days. 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, improves survival.