On Thursday, March 13, 2025, Tanzania officially declared the end of the Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak after 42 consecutive days without new cases, following the death of the last confirmed patient on January 28, 2025.
The outbreak resulted in two confirmed cases and eight probable cases, all of whom died. This marked the country's second MVD outbreak, following the first in 2023 in the northeastern Kagera region.
When the outbreak struck Kagera, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) promptly offered its support to the Tanzanian Ministry of Health (MoH). Following a joint assessment with response partners, MSF dispatched an experienced team to assist health authorities by improving isolation unit setups, establishing temporary donning and doffing zones, upgrading laundry facilities for the safe decontamination of linens and protective equipment, and training medical staff from over 30 health facilities in Kagera. Additionally, MSF contributed to strengthening Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures to help contain the disease.
“The partners, including MSF, volunteered their support, stepping in to provide us with their expertise,” said Dr. Michael Kiremeji, Director of the Emergency Biharamuro Marburg Treatment Unit at the Ministry of Health. “MSF is a valuable and essential partner in emergencies. As the head of case management, I consider them crucial collaborators, and if another emergency arises, we would gladly welcome their support to ensure patients receive proper care.”
Building on this collective effort, which played a key role in containing and ending the outbreak, MSF remains ready to offer further assistance if requested by the Tanzanian Ministry of Health in the future.
“Over the past two years, we have supported the health authorities multiple times in responding to cholera, measles, and Marburg outbreaks,” said Tommaso Santo, MSF Head of Mission in Tanzania. “We strive to be a reliable medical partner, not only in emergency outbreak responses but also in natural disasters and other epidemics.”
Ongoing efforts continue to focus on raising public awareness of Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs) such as Marburg Virus Disease and strengthening preventive measures through targeted outreach initiatives, community engagement, and health education campaigns.
Seven Questions about Marburg virus Disease –Tanzania 2025
Tanzania: MSF team supports response to outbreak of Marburg virus disease
