Tanzania's president has announced an outbreak of Marburg virus, an Ebola-like virus, just a week after her health minister denied that there were any cases in the country. President Samia Suluhu Hassan said at a press conference on Monday that health authorities had confirmed one case of Marburg in the north-western region of Kagera.

Officials previously questioned whether the deadly disease was indeed present in the African country, which had seen 8 suspected Marburg deaths.

Dr. Tedros highlighted the collaborative effort, stating, “WHO is committed to supporting Tanzania in bringing this outbreak under control while working toward a healthier and safer future for all.”

Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan confirmed on Monday that there was a new outbreak of the deadly Marburg virus in the East African country.

Tanzania has confirmed a positive case of Marburg virus in a remote northern region. Marburg is a lethal pathogen, with a mortality rate of up to 88% in untreated cases. This virus, akin to Ebola, originates from fruit bats and transmits through close contact with infected individuals' bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces.

The disease, which is similar to Ebola, can spread between humans through bodily fluids and lead to hemorrhaging and death.

Tanzania's government said no-one in the country had tested positive for the Marburg virus after the World Health Organization (WHO) said at least eight people in the northwest were believed to have died from it.

That comes after the Sudanese Armed Forces – the national army – reportedly reclaimed Wad Madani from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, who they’ve been battling for control of the country since April 2023. The conflict has involved the use of heavy artillery, fighter jets and drones.

Following reports of suspected cases of viral haemorrhagic fever in Tanzania, World Health Organization (WHO) has enhanced its readiness to support the government as it takes measures to investigate and respond swiftly to the situation.

Tanzania’s President, Samia Suluhu Hassan has announced that health officials have identified a positive case of the Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) in Biharamuro District, located in the northern Kagera Region close to Uganda.

Tanzania's president said a sample tested positive for the Marburg virus, which has a fatality rate of up to 88 percent if untreated.