Tanzanian President Samia Suhulu Hassan confirmed the Marburg virus outbreak

But Tanzania’s Health Minister Jenista Mhagama said in a statement that after samples were analyzed, all suspected cases were found to be negative for Marburg.

In a Monday press briefing, which was held jointly with the WHO, President Samia said that his government had stepped up its efforts and that a rapid response team had been sent to follow up on all suspected cases.

Marburg is highly contagious, with symptoms including fever, muscle pain, diarrhea, vomiting and, in some cases, death through extreme blood loss.

On average, the virus kills half of the people it infects, according to the WHO.

Tanzania said that along with one confirmed case, authorities took samples from 24 people suspected of having Marburg. These all tested negative.

Meanwhile, the cause of the eight deaths reported by the WHO has not been disclosed.

Tanzania experienced its first Marburg outbreak in March 2023 in Bukoba district. It killed six people and lasted for almost two months.

WHO director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the global risk of the Tanzania outbreak was now “low”.

“Even if there is no approved treatment or vaccine, the epidemic can be quickly stopped,” he said. “WHO advises against restrictions. Now is the time to collaborate”.

On Thursday, the African CDC, the public health agency of the African Union, said more than 300 contacts had been identified for further testing. Health workers made 56 of these contacts, while 16 on the list are known to have had direct contact with those suspected of having Marburg.

The International Health Regulations (IHR) of 2005 oblige countries to report public health events and emergencies that may cross borders. Kagera is a transit hub with many people traveling to and from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Burundi and Rwanda.

In December, neighboring Rwanda declared that the outbreak in the country, which had infected 66 people and killed 15, was over.

Marburg virus is transmitted to humans from fruit bats and then through contact with the body fluids of infected people.

There is no specific treatment or vaccine for the virus, although trials are underway.