NewsDesk @bactiman63

Today, Tanzania Minister of Health, Ummy A. Mwalimu declared the end of the Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak in the Kagera region.

Tanzania
Image/CDC

This was Tanzania’s first ever MVD outbreak which resulted in a total of nine cases (eight confirmed and one probable) and six deaths.

The outbreak was declared officially on March 21, 2023. The last confirmed case tested negative for the second test of Marburg on 19 April, setting off the 42-day mandatory countdown to declare the end of the outbreak.

The World Health Organization (WHO), in support of the national efforts, deployed outbreak response experts to reinforce surveillance, testing, infection prevention and control, contact tracing, treatment and community engagement. Additionally, with partners, WHO shipped nearly three tons of supplies of personal protective equipment and is also working with the Ministry of Health to support survivors of the disease.

Neglected Tropical Diseases

“Thanks to these efforts, Tanzania has been able to end this outbreak and limit the potentially devastating impacts of a highly infectious disease,” Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa said.