The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that a case of Marburg virus disease has been detected in Uganda, with health authorities launching contact tracing and intensified surveillance to prevent further spread of the deadly viral illness.
The case was identified during enhanced surveillance efforts for Ebola, highlighting the importance of continuous monitoring for highly infectious diseases in regions vulnerable to viral outbreaks.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced the development during a press conference in Geneva on Thursday.
“Health authorities have informed WHO that they are monitoring all identified contacts, but so far none have shown symptoms,” Tedros said.
The announcement suggests that Ugandan health officials have moved quickly to identify individuals who may have been exposed to the infected person in an effort to contain any potential transmission.
Case Detected During Ebola Monitoring
According to the WHO, the Marburg virus infection was discovered while Uganda was carrying out enhanced surveillance for Ebola, another highly contagious viral haemorrhagic fever.
Health experts say surveillance systems established for Ebola often help detect other dangerous infectious diseases because they share similar symptoms and require comparable response measures.
Authorities have not yet released details about the infected patient, including where the individual was diagnosed or how the infection was acquired.
Officials are continuing investigations to determine the source of the infection and whether there may be additional linked cases.
Contact Tracing Underway
WHO said Ugandan health authorities have identified and are closely monitoring everyone known to have been in contact with the infected person.
So far, none of the identified contacts has developed symptoms, according to the UN health agency.
Contact tracing is one of the most important tools used to contain outbreaks of diseases such as Marburg, as it allows health workers to quickly isolate anyone who becomes ill before further transmission occurs.
Public health officials are expected to continue monitoring contacts throughout the virus’s incubation period.
What Is Marburg Virus Disease?
Marburg virus disease is a severe and often fatal illness caused by the Marburg virus, a member of the same virus family as Ebola.
The disease is typically transmitted to humans through prolonged exposure to fruit bats and can then spread from person to person through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids or contaminated materials of an infected individual.
Symptoms usually begin suddenly and may include high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, weakness and fatigue.
As the illness progresses, patients can develop severe bleeding, organ failure and shock.
According to the WHO, Marburg virus disease has recorded fatality rates ranging from 24% to 88% in previous outbreaks, depending on the virus strain and the quality of medical care available.
Currently, there is no widely approved antiviral treatment specifically for Marburg virus disease, although supportive medical care—including fluid replacement, oxygen therapy and treatment of complications—can improve survival.
Uganda’s Experience with Viral Outbreaks
Uganda has extensive experience responding to outbreaks of viral haemorrhagic fevers, including Ebola and Marburg virus disease.
The country has developed rapid surveillance, laboratory testing and emergency response systems over the years with support from the WHO and international health partners.
These systems are designed to detect suspected cases quickly, isolate infected patients and carry out contact tracing to prevent wider community transmission.
Public health experts say Uganda’s preparedness has significantly improved its ability to contain outbreaks before they spread across borders.
WHO Continues to Support Response
The WHO is working closely with Uganda’s Ministry of Health to assess the situation and provide technical support where needed.
Health authorities are expected to continue surveillance while investigations determine whether the detected case is isolated or linked to additional infections.
For now, WHO has indicated that no contacts have developed symptoms, suggesting there is no immediate evidence of sustained community transmission.
Officials have urged continued vigilance as monitoring continues in the coming days.