Deadly virus causing bleeding and organ failure has just been detected—find out where!
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In a world that has become all too familiar with the threat of viral outbreaks, a new health scare has emerged, stirring concern and prompting swift action from international health authorities.
A virus with a highly infectious agent known for causing severe fever has been detected, marking the second outbreak in the nation since 2023.
As health officials work to contain the spread, fears are rising about the virus' potential to cross borders. The global community is on high alert, with preparations underway to prevent further transmission.
The President of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, confirmed the distressing news during a press briefing from the capital, Dodoma.
The Marburg virus, which is transmitted to humans from fruit bats and is a close relative of the Ebola virus, has a fatality rate that can soar to a staggering 90 per cent.
Symptoms of the virus include high fever, severe headache, and malaise, which can quickly escalate to bleeding, organ failure, and death.
The recent outbreak has already claimed lives, with a suspected Marburg outbreak in Tanzania reportedly killing eight people.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has assessed the risk at the national level as 'high,' although Tanzanian authorities have not officially confirmed these reports.
Instead, President Hassan stated that one patient has been confirmed to be infected with the Marburg virus, and ongoing efforts have been made to ascertain the source of the infection and the cause of the earlier reported deaths.
Out of 26 suspected cases tested, only one returned positive.
The case was identified in the northwestern Kagera region, which shares borders with Uganda and Rwanda.
According to the WHO, this region was also the site of the country's first Marburg outbreak in March 2023, which involved nine cases and six deaths.
President Hassan reassured the public and the international community, stating,
'We have demonstrated in the past our ability to contain similar outbreaks and are determined to do the same this time around.' he announced.
The Tanzanian government's response has been robust.
The WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who was visiting Dodoma, pledged the UN agency's continued support to help bring the outbreak under control.
‘Since the first suspected cases of Marburg were reported earlier, Tanzania has scaled up its response by enhancing case detection, setting up treatment centres and a mobile laboratory for testing samples, and deploying national response teams,’ he said.
‘Considering the low global risk and the strong capabilities of the Tanzanian government, WHO advises against restrictions on trade and travel to the country.’
The latest case in Tanzania comes on the heels of the WHO's declaration of the end of a three-month Marburg outbreak in neighbouring Rwanda, which resulted in 15 deaths.
This serves as a reminder of the persistent threat of viral hemorrhagic fevers in the region and the importance of international cooperation and vigilance in managing such outbreaks.
For our readers, especially those who may have travel plans to the affected regions, it's crucial to stay informed about the latest health advisories and take all necessary precautions.
While the risk to Australians is currently low, staying updated on the situation and following the guidance of health authorities can help ensure your safety and well-being.
In other news, New South Wales Health is advising at-risk groups, including men who have sex with men, sex workers, and their partners, to get vaccinated against mpox following a notable outbreak.
Since June, 433 cases of mpox have been reported in New South Wales, with 26 individuals hospitalised, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. You can read more about it here.
Have you or someone you know been affected by viral outbreaks while travelling abroad? Share your experiences and advice for fellow travellers in the comments below.
A virus with a highly infectious agent known for causing severe fever has been detected, marking the second outbreak in the nation since 2023.
As health officials work to contain the spread, fears are rising about the virus' potential to cross borders. The global community is on high alert, with preparations underway to prevent further transmission.
The President of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, confirmed the distressing news during a press briefing from the capital, Dodoma.
The Marburg virus, which is transmitted to humans from fruit bats and is a close relative of the Ebola virus, has a fatality rate that can soar to a staggering 90 per cent.
A new outbreak of the deadly Marburg virus has been confirmed in Tanzania. Credit: somboon kaeoboonsong / iStock
Symptoms of the virus include high fever, severe headache, and malaise, which can quickly escalate to bleeding, organ failure, and death.
The recent outbreak has already claimed lives, with a suspected Marburg outbreak in Tanzania reportedly killing eight people.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has assessed the risk at the national level as 'high,' although Tanzanian authorities have not officially confirmed these reports.
Instead, President Hassan stated that one patient has been confirmed to be infected with the Marburg virus, and ongoing efforts have been made to ascertain the source of the infection and the cause of the earlier reported deaths.
Out of 26 suspected cases tested, only one returned positive.
The case was identified in the northwestern Kagera region, which shares borders with Uganda and Rwanda.
According to the WHO, this region was also the site of the country's first Marburg outbreak in March 2023, which involved nine cases and six deaths.
President Hassan reassured the public and the international community, stating,
'We have demonstrated in the past our ability to contain similar outbreaks and are determined to do the same this time around.' he announced.
The Tanzanian government's response has been robust.
The WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who was visiting Dodoma, pledged the UN agency's continued support to help bring the outbreak under control.
‘Since the first suspected cases of Marburg were reported earlier, Tanzania has scaled up its response by enhancing case detection, setting up treatment centres and a mobile laboratory for testing samples, and deploying national response teams,’ he said.
‘Considering the low global risk and the strong capabilities of the Tanzanian government, WHO advises against restrictions on trade and travel to the country.’
The latest case in Tanzania comes on the heels of the WHO's declaration of the end of a three-month Marburg outbreak in neighbouring Rwanda, which resulted in 15 deaths.
This serves as a reminder of the persistent threat of viral hemorrhagic fevers in the region and the importance of international cooperation and vigilance in managing such outbreaks.
For our readers, especially those who may have travel plans to the affected regions, it's crucial to stay informed about the latest health advisories and take all necessary precautions.
While the risk to Australians is currently low, staying updated on the situation and following the guidance of health authorities can help ensure your safety and well-being.
In other news, New South Wales Health is advising at-risk groups, including men who have sex with men, sex workers, and their partners, to get vaccinated against mpox following a notable outbreak.
Since June, 433 cases of mpox have been reported in New South Wales, with 26 individuals hospitalised, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. You can read more about it here.
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