WHO warns over spread of Marburg virus after Tanzania deaths

WHO urges increased vigilance after Tanzania reports its first outbreak of Marburg virus, which spreads to humans from fruit bats and kills up to 88% of those it infects.

March 24, 2023 . 2:57 AM

1 min read

The World Health Organization urges African health authorities to step up monitoring and clinical care after Tanzania reports its first outbreak of Marburg virus.
Marburg spreads to humans from fruit bats and causes haemorrhagic fever and killing up to 88% of those it infects.
There are no vaccines or antivirals approved to treat the illness.
Tanzania's east African neighbours Uganda and Kenya have enhanced border surveillance to help reduce transmission.
The WHO assesses the risk posed by the outbreak as 'very high' at the national level, 'moderate' at the regional level and 'low' at the global level.