US Donates Equipment For Combating Marburg Disease In Tanzania

By Samuel Ouma Tanzania's government effort to curb the spread of the Marburg disease has received a boost following the arrival of personal protective equipment from the American government. The consignment was received by the country’s Medical Store Department (MSD). In a statement, the US Embassy in Tanzania said the shipment contained gowns, aprons, masks, gloves, spectacles and caps. The infectious disease erupted in Bukoba District, Kagera region, North Western Tanzania, on March 21, 2023. The Tanzania's Ministry of Health conducted laboratory tests following reported cases and five deaths in the Maruku and Kanyangereko Wards of Bukoba District Council in the Kagera Region. The patients had developed symptoms like fever, vomiting, bleeding and renal failure. “Five of the eight cases, including a health worker, have died and the remaining three are receiving treatment. A total of 161 contacts have been identified and being monitored,” said WHO Africa. Following the outbreak, the ministry issued a travel alert to all departing and domestic travellers from the region and other measures to contain the infectious disease. Locals have also been advised to be vigilant to prevent new infections, eliminate stigma, and rehabilitate and reintegrate survivors.