Residents on high alert following the Tanzania Marburg deaths
Following the death of five people by the Marburg virus within Tanzania’s borders, Kenya and Uganda have intensified surveillance along their borders with Tanzania.
A typical sign of the deadly Ebola-like virus is a high fever, which is frequently followed by bleeding and organ failure.
At its southern border, Uganda has mandated quick screening and testing. Moreover, health teams have been placed on high alert at border crossings in the Kyotera and Isingiro districts.
Dr. Patrick Amoth, Director-General of Kenya’s health department, has urged the public to report any suspicious rise in the number of patients with a high fever who have recently visited Tanzania.
According to a statement from Dr. Amoth, such people should go to the nearest medical facility right away for evaluation and management.
The Kagera region in Tanzania’s northwest is where the outbreak was first noticed. A total of 161 contacts have been found and are being kept track of. Authorities are currently looking for more people.
Five of the eight people who tested positive for the illness have passed away, with four of them coming from the same family.
The World Health Organization commended Tanzania’s approach to controlling the spread (WHO).
According to the WHO, the Marburg virus typically kills 50 percent of individuals who contract it.
The virus enters humans through fruit bats and spreads between people through the exchange of body fluids.
Despite the lack of immunizations or therapies, persons who have been diagnosed are given water intravenously or orally by doctors while they address their unique symptoms.
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