Breaking News
Login
Pan African Visions

Tanzania Now Marburg Virus Disease-Free-Health Minister Ummy Mwalimu

June 07, 2023

By Mutayoba Arbogast

anzania Minister of Health, Ummy Mwalimu,announces to the nation and international community, Kagera region is now free from Marburg outbreak

Tanzania's Ministry of Health declared the end of the country's first reported outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD).

The announcement was made by Health Minister Ummy Mwalimu on  June 2, 2023.

“I’m officially announcing that the Marburg Virus Disease in the Kagera region is officially over,” said Ummy Mwalimu.

She said the decision was arrived at after 42 days of monitoring in accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) norms.

On March 21, 2023, the Ummy-led Ministry officially declared the first MVD outbreak in the country. Between March 21 and May 13, a total of nine cases, including eight laboratory-confirmed cases and one probable, were reported.

The last confirmed case was reported on April 11, 2023, and the second negative PCR test sample was collected on April 19, 2023.

All cases were recorded in Bukoba district, Kagera region, in the country's north.

Among the confirmed cases, three people recovered, and six deaths were recorded.

Males were the most afflicted, with cases ranging in age from 1 to 59 years old. Health workers were among the victims.

Marburg virus transmits between people by direct contact with infected people's blood, saliva, organs, or other body fluids, as well as surfaces and objects contaminated with these fluids, such as bedding and clothing.

Burial ceremonies involving close touch with the deceased's body can also contribute to spreading the Marburg virus.

The virus has an incubation period of 2 to 21 days.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Pan African Visions
Popular Kenyan media personality to co-host a public health-centered podcast from an African perspective 
June 07, 2023 Prev
Pan African Visions
Kenya To Host More Automotive Players
June 07, 2023 Next