Tanzania and the World Health Organisation confirmed on Monday the outbreak of Marburg virus disease in the northwestern Kagera region

The disease, which is similar to Ebola, can spread between humans through bodily fluids and lead to hemorrhaging and death.

The Ministry of Health has enhanced surveillance and screenings in all points of entry to the country following reports of a Marburg virus outbreak in Tanzania. Last week, the World Health Organisation announced a suspected Marburg virus outbreak which has affected part of the neighbouring country. Tanzania has, however, dismissed the report.

Tanzania has confirmed an outbreak of the deadly Marburg virus in its northwest region. President Hassan and WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus addressed the situation, highlighting response efforts and funds allocated to contain the virus.

Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan confirmed on Monday that there was a new outbreak of the deadly Marburg virus in the East African country.

Tanzania's president has announced an outbreak of Marburg virus, an Ebola-like virus, just a week after her health minister denied that there were any cases in the country. President Samia Suluhu Hassan said at a press conference on Monday that health authorities had confirmed one case of Marburg in the north-western region of Kagera.

Officials previously questioned whether the deadly disease was indeed present in the African country, which had seen 8 suspected Marburg deaths.

Tanzania’s president said Monday that one sample from a remote part of northern Tanzania tested positive for Marburg disease, a highly infectious virus which can be fatal in up to 88% of cases without treatment.