The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that Tanzania has recorded its first-ever cases of Marburg Virus Disease after laboratory tests were conducted in the country's northwest Kagera region.

Eight people in the region developed symptoms of the highly virulent disease, including fever, vomiting, bleeding, and kidney failure, and lab tests were carried out, according to the WHO statement on Wednesday.

Five of the eight confirmed cases, including a health worker, have died, while the remaining three are being treated.

The WHO has also identified 161 contacts of those infected, who are currently being monitored. Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, commended Tanzania's health authorities' efforts to establish the cause of the disease, saying it is a clear indication of their determination to effectively respond to the outbreak.

While Tanzania has responded to other crises, including COVID-19, cholera, and dengue in the past three years, this is the first time the country has recorded a Marburg case.

However, in September 2022, the UN health agency conducted a strategic risk assessment that revealed the country was at high risk for infectious disease outbreaks.

The Marburg virus commonly causes hemorrhagic fever, with a high fatality ratio of up to 88 per cent, and is part of the same family as the virus that causes Ebola.

Symptoms associated with the Marburg virus start suddenly, with high fever, severe headache, and intense malaise. The virus is commonly transmitted to humans from fruit bats and spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected people, surfaces, and materials.

While there are no vaccines or antiviral treatments approved to treat the virus, supportive care, rehydration, and treatment of specific symptoms increase the chances of survival.

The WHO will work closely with Tanzania's national health authorities to halt the spread of the virus and end the outbreak as soon as possible, said Moeti.