Maputo, 11 Feb (AIM) – The Mozambican health authorities in the northern province of Cabo Delgado have declared a high alert following an outbreak of Marburg virus in neighbouring Tanzania.
The virus was diagnosed in the Kagera region of northwest Tanzania in late January, and has so far caused the deaths of eight people. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Marburg is a rare but severe hemorrhagic fever, similar to Ebola, which can cause serious illness and death.
According to Edson Fernando, the Chief Medical Officer in Cabo Delgado, the authorities have set up sentinel posts in the districts bordering Tanzania and at harbours and airports in order to prevent the entry and spread of the disease into the country.
“More than 2.000 people were screened at border crossings, ports and airports located in the northern region of Cabo Delgado, including the city of Pemba”, said Fernando, in an interview with Radio Mozambique.
(AIM)
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