Tanzania’s health ministry said Thursday that the Marburg virus outbreak has ended after 42 days without any new cases.
The outbreak, which began in January, resulted in 10 deaths—two confirmed cases and eight presumed—according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The infections were concentrated in the northwestern Kagera region, near the border with Rwanda.
Health Minister Jenista Mhagama confirmed that the last recorded infection was on January 28, meeting the WHO’s requirement of 42 days without new cases to officially declare an outbreak over.
Despite this milestone, Mhagama urged continued vigilance, reminding the public to maintain preventive measures such as handwashing and early reporting of suspected cases.
“We should be aware that the country remains at risk of other highly infectious diseases, including Ebola, which has been reported in neighbouring countries, and Mpox, which continues to be reported worldwide,” she said.
Tanzania previously faced a Marburg outbreak in 2023. The WHO said it collaborated closely with Tanzanian health authorities, training over 1,000 frontline workers in contact tracing, clinical care, and public communication.
“The dedication of frontline health workers and the efforts of the national authorities and our partners have paid off,” said WHO Representative in Tanzania, Charles Sagoe-Moses.
