AN OUTBREAK of the dangerous Marburg virus in the North-West Region of Tanzania - Kagera has been officially controlled, but the authorities will continue to monitor for 42 more days before declaring the end of the outbreak.

The Minister of Health, Ummy Mwalimu announced today in Dar es Salaam "We expect to announce the end of the outbreak of the Marburg virus next month (May 31, 2023) if there is no new case," Minister Ummy told reporters citing the decision as part of the instructions of the World Health Organization (WHO).

At least six people, including a health worker and an 18-month-old child, died when nine people were infected with the disease, which hit the northwestern part of Tanzania in March this year.

Two patients were left under a specialized center for monitoring and treatment.

"Until April 21, 2023, the two patients were laboratory-confirmed that they do not have Marburg infection," Minister Ummy said during his press conference.

"Those who survived the disease included the doctor who treated the first Marburg patient."

"This shows how the quick measures taken by the Government ensured the full control of this disease and that it does not spread beyond the affected families and to the health workers who attended to the patients," the Minister added.

Ummy has asked the general public to continue to take precautions against the disease and other infectious diseases.

He thanked the health experts, especially those on the front line in Kagera Region, including those who provided services to patients and the monitoring team.