By Adeyemi Adekunle
Tanzanian authorities have assured the public that there is no evidence of a Marburg virus outbreak in the country, despite reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) suggesting that at least eight people in the northwestern region of Kagera may have died from the disease. The announcement has provided some relief to residents of Kagera, a region that still bears the scars of a previous Marburg outbreak, but questions remain about the country’s preparedness and transparency.
On Wednesday, Tanzania’s Health Minister, Jenista Mhagama, dismissed the concerns, confirming that all suspected cases tested negative for the virus. “As of 15th January 2025, laboratory results for all suspected individuals were negative for Marburg virus,” Mhagama said in a statement.
Despite the minister’s reassurances, the fear of another outbreak lingers, especially for families like that of Emmanuel, a Kagera resident who lost a brother during the country’s first encounter with Marburg in 2023. “The thought of the disease returning is terrifying,” he said, “even if they say no one has it now, we worry it might come back.”
The WHO had raised the alarm earlier this week, reporting that individuals in Kagera exhibited symptoms consistent with Marburg, including severe headaches, high fever, vomiting blood, and external bleeding.
The virus, which is transmitted from fruit bats and can spread between humans through bodily fluids, is highly deadly, with a fatality rate as high as 88%.
Following the reports, Tanzanian health authorities moved swiftly. A team of experts was deployed to the region to investigate, collect samples, and test for the virus. Additional measures, including enhanced community awareness and surveillance, were initiated to reassure locals and contain any potential threat.
Residents have reported seeing health workers in protective gear, and some have begun self-isolating out of fear, even though no new cases have been identified. “We’ve been told to avoid crowded places and funerals,” said a shopkeeper in Kagera, “but life here is very communal—it’s not easy to keep apart.”
For many, this response stands in contrast to the country’s handling of COVID-19, during which the government faced severe criticism for refusing to share data and dismissing preventive measures. That experience has left a lasting impact on trust between citizens and authorities. “People don’t know what to believe,” said a community leader, “and many think the government only tells us what they want us to hear.”
Even as Tanzanian officials denied an active outbreak, the WHO continued to urge caution. At a virtual conference on Thursday Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, called for samples collected in Kagera to be sent to international reference laboratories for further testing. He also suggested collecting additional samples to ensure no cases had been missed. Ghebreyesus reiterated the WHO’s commitment to assisting Tanzania should any need arise.
The situation is particularly sensitive for the people of Kagera, a border region with strong ties to neighboring Uganda. Many residents rely on cross-border trade, and restrictions tied to public health concerns would severely impact their livelihoods. Uganda has already increased its border screenings in response to the WHO’s initial reports. Local health worker Agnes Baryahwe said, “We can’t take chances because a single case can spread rapidly in a region like ours.”
For families in Kagera, memories of the 2023 outbreak remain vivid. Nine people were infected in that incident, and six did not survive. “We still feel the pain of what happened,” said Emmanuel, “we need the government and the world to help us so that it never happens again.” Stories like his reflect the deep vulnerability of communities in regions prone to these outbreaks, where limited health infrastructure makes combating such diseases even more challenging.
Tanzania’s efforts to strengthen disease surveillance, as noted by Minister Mhagama, may signal a shift in the government’s approach to managing public health crises. However, experts like Dr. Miriam Atuhaire, a virologist in neighboring Uganda, warn against complacency. “Diseases like Marburg don’t disappear overnight. Even when tests come back negative, continuous monitoring is essential to prevent hidden cases from emerging later,” she said.
As the Tanzanian government works to balance transparency, preparedness, and public trust, people in Kagera remain on edge. The current calm is fragile, built as much on hope as on science. Residents are cautiously resuming their daily routines, but the fear that the deadly virus might return lurks in every crowded market, every funeral, and every communal gathering. For many, this moment is not just a test of the country’s health systems but also a reminder of how closely the fabric of life is tied to how effectively their leaders protect them.
The WHO has pledged ongoing support to Tanzania, underscoring the importance of collective action in dealing with infectious diseases. For now, Kagera waits—caught between relief at the negative results and anxiety over an uncertain future. The region, like the rest of the world, hopes that the lessons of the past will prevent future tragedies.
