Marburg scare: Ministry issues travel advisory

By Getrude Mbago , The Guardian
Published at 08:55 AM Jan 24 2025
Dr Seif Shekalaghe, the Health permanent secretary
Photo: Guardian Reporter
Dr Seif Shekalaghe, the Health permanent secretary

THE government has issued a travel advisory following the outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) in Kagera Region, urging both residents and travellers to stay vigilant and adhere to precautionary health measures.

Dr Seif Shekalaghe, the Health permanent secretary, said in a statement yesterday that travellers leaving Kagera Region will be required to complete an online traveller’s surveillance form through the ministry official portal. 

Similarly, individuals directly contacting a confirmed MVD case will be closely monitored, restrained from traveling until cleared by medical authorities, he said.

At all points of entry, including airports, ground crossings, and ports, travellers will undergo body temperature screenings, where those displaying fever-like symptoms will be further evaluated by the relevant agencies, the statement affirmed.

Travellers will also receive health information and be advised to monitor for any signs of MVD, with instructions to report any symptoms by calling the toll-free number 199, it specified.

Stringent infection prevention and control measures are being instituted at points of entry, including mandatory hand hygiene with liquid soap or alcohol-based sanitizers, while ensuring physical distancing, it elaborated.

Conveyance operators, those enabling people or goods to arrive at border points, are also required to adhere to exit screening procedures, including hygiene inspections and immediate reporting of any symptomatic travellers, it emphasised.

The measures indicated are in line with International Health Regulations of 2005 and the travel advisory will be reviewed periodically as the situation evolves, the top executive intoned.

Travellers are urged to visit the ministry’s website to stay updated on the latest developments, he said, urging individual travellers to adhere to the guidelines to ensure public safety and curb the spread of the viral scare.

The World Health Organisation announced an outbreak of the disease at the Kagera border zone, then met President Samia Suluhu Hassan last week.

After first discounting any proven cases of the disease, the meeting then prompted immediate public health measures to avoid other countries taking measures regarding travellers from Tanzania, analysts noted.