The WHO, in a late Tuesday statement claimed the the Marburg Virus, a viral hemorrhagic fever with symptoms similar to that of Ebola, has had its first outbreak in Tanzania. The WHO responded after 5 passed from the virus within the northwest region of Tanzania, Kagera. A health worker was one of the five, and three of the others were receiving treatment. The Marburg virus’ symptoms, again similar to Ebola, include fevers, vomiting, bleeding, and renal failure, and has a fatality rate as high as 88 percent. The virus like Ebola, transfers through the contact of bodily fluids. The outbreak follows that of the outbreak in Equatorial Guinea.
Tanzania has in the past been rated very poorly on its ability to maintain outbreaks such as this (that meaning it is very likely, and high risk) according to strategic risk assessments conducted by the WHO. While viruses such as Covid-19, cholera and dengue have proven that the facilities and authorities within the country need to focus on the health of the public, the overall perception of the diseases has remained unmonitored. While the UN, and other groups have helped immensely with the containment and treatment of malaria within the region, there hasn’t been enough support for other viruses, and outbreaks like this have been noted as common within the international landscape.
While support has been incredible from IGOs such as the UN, the spread of diseases, and lack of health coverage within Sub-Saharan Africa continues to be a highlighted problem. It is extremely hard to maintain healthcare in countless countries, and outbreaks like Marburg seem to be becoming only more common, and less talked about. Even in light of the world only just now somewhat leaving the grasp that Covid-19 has had on a global level. It, at points like this, seems to be more of an international issue. Countries, Tanzania included, simply cannot afford to fund any campaigns spreading healthcare and healthcare professionals, and if the restriction of the spread of these diseases wants to be maintained, which it seems it doesn’t, there needs to be somewhat of an intervention from other, more economically stable nations.