Dar es Salaam. The Tanzanian government has issued a travel advisory to curb the spread of the Marburg Viral Disease (MVD).
This comes days after President Samia Suluhu Hassan confirmed that at least one person had died from highly infectious disease in Biharamulo District, located in the Kagera Region.
The Travel Advisory No. 15 was released by the ministry of Health and is dated January 21, 2025.
A brief statement issued by the ministry and signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry of Health, Dr Seif A. Shekalaghe, says the decision to issue the advisory has been taken to align with the International Health Regulations, 2005.
Key measures include heightened surveillance, mandatory health checks, and adherence to infection prevention protocols for both domestic and international travellers.
“All travellers departing from the Kagera Region will be required to truthfully fill out an online Traveller’s Surveillance Form accessible through [https://afyamsafiri.moh.go.tz],” the statement reads in part.
The ministry of Health emphasised that individuals in contact with confirmed cases will be closely monitored and barred from travelling until they receive clearance.
At all points of entry—airports, border crossings, and ports—body temperature checks will be conducted.
Travellers displaying fever or other symptoms consistent with Marburg will be subjected to further evaluation by port health officials, the statement further says.
To ensure public safety, the government has introduced toll-free number 199 at entry points to provide health information and enable individuals to report symptoms.
Suspected cases will undergo testing and treatment at designated government health facilities.
Furthermore, stringent infection prevention and control measures have been mandated at entry points, including regular hand hygiene, physical distancing, and the use of alcohol-based sanitisers.
Conveyance operators have also been instructed to facilitate thorough screening and report any symptomatic travellers to port health authorities without delay.
Dr Shekalaghe noted that the travel advisory will be reviewed as necessary to adapt to evolving circumstances.
Marburg Viral Disease, caused by the Marburg virus, is a severe haemorrhagic fever transmitted to humans by fruit bats and spread through human-to-human contact.
The government has urged citizens and visitors alike to adhere to all prescribed measures to prevent further spread of the disease.
For updates and guidance, travellers and residents are encouraged to monitor official channels.
