CONFIRMED MARBUG VIRUS DISEASE IN BUKOBA, KAGERA-TANZANIA

The ministry of health in a press release dated 22^nd March 2023 has confirmed Marbug Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak in the united republic of Tanzania.

The disease has since then affected eight (8) people and resulted in five (5) deaths-this is a case fatality rate of 63%), in Bukoba, Kagera province in the northwestern part of Tanzania and on south western shores of lake Victoria. The symptoms of the disease presented include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and bleeding through various body openings.

Marburg virus  Disease is often a fatal disease caused by the Marburg virus and has a case fatality ratio of up to 88% but this can be much lower if well controlled through good patient care. The virus is closely related to the Ebola virus disease and both are classified as Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF). As a result, the two are transmitted through similar ways thus same preventive measures are applied.

Viral hemorrhagic fever as Marbug virus can have a serious socioeconomic impact as witnessed in previous outbreaks such as the Ebola Virus disease outbreak of 2014/2016 in West Africa. The affected countries lost an estimated amount of more than 4.3 billion USD.

Therefore, it is important for the government to initiate early prevention, preparedness, and response measures to prevent the spread and impact of the potential Marbug virus in Kenya.

The Marbug Virus Disease is characterized by abrupt onset of high fever, severe headache and severe malaise, muscle aches and pains, severe watery diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping, nausea, and vomiting that may follow shortly. There is also severe bleeding often from multiple areas such as the nose, gums, and vagina.

Also, it has an incubation period that varies from a period of 2 to 21 days, whereas in fatal cases, death occurs most often between 8 and 9 days after symptoms onset, usually preceded by severe loss of blood and shock.

The virus spreads through human-to-human transmission via direct contact with blood, secretions, organs, or other body fluids of infected people and with surfaces and materials contaminated with these fluids. Currently, there is no specific treatment or vaccine but there are specific measures through supportive care that improve survival.

The ministry of health has urged the country to be on high alert and report any unusual cases to the nearest health facilities. In addition to that any inquiries and more information needed can be sorted through the following numbers 0729471414 or 0732353535 or 719. The ministry is also  committed to ensuring that Kenyans are well-informed about issues affecting their health and well-being and that its citizens  continue to receive quality health services.

Harriet Sese