A case of the bleeding virus Marburg has been confirmed in Tanzania, a week after authorities denied there was an outbreak. The deadly illness similar to Ebola is highly infectious, and can kill up to 88% of people without treatment.

The 2 positive cases are among 31 samples tested, and officials are considering use of antivirals and experimental vaccine.

An outbreak of the Marburg virus has killed nine people in Tanzania, Africa's health agency said Thursday, up from eight suspected deaths reported by the World Health Organization last week.

Tanzania's president says she is "confident" the country will "overcome" the highly infectious Marburg.

“We believe that, as Tanzania successfully controlled the outbreak two years ago, the country will manage to control this disease as well. WHO is providing $3 million to support control efforts and strengthen disease monitoring systems,” Dr Tedros said.

The disease is a close cousin of Ebola, causing similar symptoms and spreading in the same way. It can cause death in up to 88% of infected people.

This site uses cookies to enhance your user experience. By continuing to use this site you are agreeing to our COOKIE POLICY.

The World Health Organization says an outbreak of suspected Marburg disease has killed eight people in a remote part of northern Tanzania.

Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan confirmed on Monday that there was a new outbreak of the deadly Marburg virus in the East African country.

The government, through the Ministry of Health, has outlined measures to curb the spread of the Marburg virus after the cases was reported in the neighboring country, Tanzania. During a press conference held on Thursday,