Kenya on high alert as eight are killed by Marburg in Kagera, Tanzania
Kenya is on the high alert over the Marburg disease after eight people have been reported dead in the Kagera area of Tanzania.
The ministry of Health has confirmed receipt of the alert from the World Health Organisation and has assured of having put measures to curb the disease in case it is reported in the country.
Earlier today, the WHO issued the alert in neighbouring countries including; Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Mozambique.
“We are aware eight people have died from the Marburg disease in the Kagera area which borders our border town Migori. We are on high alert and the respective measures are being put in place,” Health Director General Patrick Amoth stated.
WHO said Surveillance and response capacities should be strengthened at relevant points of entry.
The organization called for a collaboration with neighbouring countries to enhance a harmonized reporting mechanism.
According to WHO, reports from in-country sources noted that six people were infected in Kagera, five of whom died on January 10 2025.
A day later, nine suspected cases were reported including eight deaths (case fatality ratio (CFR) of 89 per cent) across two districts – Biharamulo and Muleba.
“Samples from two patients have been collected and tested by the National Public Health Laboratory. Results are pending official confirmation. Contacts, including healthcare workers, are reported to have been identified and under follow-up in both districts,” WHO said.
WHO also noted that the source of the outbreak is currently unknown.
It indicated that the regional risk is considered high due to the Kagera region’s strategic location as a transit hub, with significant cross-border movement of the population to Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
