A new outbreak of Marburg virus—one of the deadliest known pathogens—has killed nine out of ten infected people in Tanzania, officials warn. The outbreak is centered in the Kagera region, with concerns that the virus could spread due to the country’s accessible transport links.

Containment Efforts

Authorities, alongside the WHO, are monitoring 281 contacts of the confirmed cases. So far, 31 tests have been conducted, with two positive results. With no available vaccines or treatments, medical teams focus on supportive care, often risking infection themselves.

Symptoms & Transmission

Marburg, a hemorrhagic fever similar to Ebola, causes severe symptoms, including fever, vomiting, internal bleeding, and eye hemorrhages. It spreads through contact with bodily fluids, contaminated objects, or infected wild animals, particularly fruit bats.