The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that a toddler in Uganda has tested positive for Marburg virus disease after the case was detected through enhanced Ebola surveillance, prompting health authorities to trace contacts and investigate the source of the infection.
Speaking at a media briefing in Geneva on Thursday, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the confirmed case involves a child aged one year and five months from Uganda's western Kyegegwa District.
The case was identified as part of intensified surveillance measures implemented during Uganda's ongoing response to an Ebola outbreak.
Although Marburg virus disease and Ebola are caused by different viruses, both belong to the viral haemorrhagic fever family and share many clinical symptoms. The diseases can spread rapidly and are associated with high fatality rates.
Dr Tedros said Uganda notified the WHO of the confirmed Marburg case earlier this week and assured that all known contacts of the child are being closely monitored.
"Health authorities have informed WHO that they are monitoring all identified contacts, but so far, none have shown symptoms," he said.
The WHO is supporting Ugandan authorities with investigations to determine how the child became infected, assess any potential public health risks, and strengthen community awareness and response efforts.
WHO Emergencies Director Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu said the detection was unusual, explaining that the case was initially suspected to be caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus before laboratory testing confirmed it was Marburg virus disease.
"This was not a normal detection," Ihekweazu said. "The case was initially thought to be Bundibugyo but was later confirmed to be Marburg."
He praised Uganda's disease surveillance systems, noting the country's strong track record in identifying and responding to outbreaks of viral haemorrhagic fevers.
Marburg virus is transmitted to humans from fruit bats and spreads between people through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated surfaces. People become contagious only after developing symptoms and remain infectious while the virus is present in their blood or other bodily fluids. Traditional burial practices involving direct contact with the deceased can also contribute to transmission.
There are currently no approved vaccines or antiviral treatments for Marburg virus disease. However, the WHO says early medical care, including rehydration and treatment of symptoms, can significantly improve survival chances.
According to the WHO, Marburg virus has an average fatality rate of around 50%, although previous outbreaks have recorded mortality rates ranging from 24% to 88%, depending on the quality of healthcare and the speed of intervention.
Meanwhile, Uganda has not reported any new Ebola cases since 21 June. The current Ebola outbreak, linked to the neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo, has resulted in 20 confirmed infections, including two deaths, while 15 patients have recovered.
Several African countries have experienced Marburg outbreaks in recent years, including Ghana, Equatorial Guinea, South Africa and Tanzania. Earlier this year, Ethiopia declared an end to its first recorded Marburg outbreak after reporting 14 confirmed cases and nine deaths.
Health officials continue to urge the public to remain vigilant as investigations into the latest case continue.