“Eye-Bleeding Virus” Outbreak in Tanzania Kills Nine, Experts Warn of Further Spread

A deadly outbreak of the Marburg virus, often referred to as the “eye-bleeding virus,” has killed nine people in Tanzania, raising alarms among global health experts. The highly lethal disease, which causes severe haemorrhagic fever, has infected ten people since the outbreak was officially confirmed last week.

The cases have been reported in Tanzania’s Kagera region, home to nearly three million people. Health officials fear the virus could spread further due to the region’s proximity to the country’s main international airport in Dar es Salaam, which is accessible by train.

Ngashi Ngongo of the Africa Centre for Disease Control (CDC) stated that efforts are underway in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) to contain the outbreak. Authorities have identified around 281 contacts of confirmed cases, all of whom are being closely monitored. Of the 31 tests conducted so far, two have returned positive results, while 29 were negative.

Marburg virus is one of the most dangerous pathogens known, with a case-fatality rate of up to 88 percent. The disease causes severe internal bleeding, which can lead to bleeding from the eyes, mouth, and ears. It spreads through contact with infected bodily fluids, contaminated objects, or infected wild animals.

This outbreak comes shortly after a similar one in neighboring Rwanda, which was officially declared over less than a month ago. Rwanda recorded 66 infections, including healthcare workers, and 15 deaths. Its rapid response kept the fatality rate at 23 percent—the lowest ever for a Marburg outbreak in Africa.

Health officials remain on high alert as they work to prevent further spread of the virus.