Marburg virus identified in Tanzania after death of five people

The Tanzanian health ministry says a mysterious disease that killed five people has been identified as Marburg haemorrhagic fever, local media reported.

The virus causes high fever, often accompanied by bleeding and organ failure.

It is part of a group of viruses that includes Ebola.

Tanzania’s health minister, Ummy Mwalimu urged citizens to stay calm, saying the government had managed to control the spread of the disease.

The World Health Organization has applauded Tanzania’s rapid reaction, adding that it stood ready to ensure “there were no gaps in response”.