8 die in suspected Marburg virus outbreak in Tanzania, WHO says
Samples from 2 patients collected and being tested for confirmation of outbreak
By Ilayda Cakirtekin
ISTANBUL (AA) – At least eight people have died in a suspected Marburg virus outbreak in Tanzania, the World Health Organization has said.
The WHO in a statement on Tuesday said it received reports of suspected cases in the Kagera region of Tanzania on Jan. 10, with symptoms of headache, high fever, back pain, diarrhea, vomiting with blood, body weakness and external bleeding.
Samples from two patients have been collected and being tested for confirmation of the outbreak, the WHO said, adding that contacts, including healthcare workers, have been identified and under follow-up.
"We are aware of 9 cases so far, including 8 people who have died. We would expect further cases in coming days as disease surveillance improves," said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
He said the WHO offered its full assistance to the government of Tanzania, and to affected communities.
Tedros said the WHO recommended neighboring countries be on alert and prepared to manage potential cases, but no travel or trade restrictions with Tanzania at this time.
Marburg virus disease is in the same family as the virus that causes Ebola, a highly virulent disease that causes hemorrhagic fever. 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.
The cases come after an outbreak in Rwanda, which shares a border with Tanzania's Kagera region, infected 66 people and killed 15 before being declared over on Dec. 20.
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