End of Marburg disease outbreak in Tanzania, Measles and Facts about WHO's Funding

Tanzania declares end of Marburg virus disease outbreak

On March 13th, 2025, Tanzania declared the end of the Marburg virus disease outbreak, a significant achievement after recording no new cases over 42 days since the death of the last confirmed case on 28 January 2025. The outbreak, in which two confirmed and eight probable cases were recorded (all deceased), was the second the country has experienced. Both this outbreak, which was declared on 20 January 2025, and the one in 2023 occurred in the north-eastern Kagera region.

Marburg virus, formerly known as Marburg hemorrhagic fever, is a severe, often fatal illness in humans. The disease has a case fatality ratio of up to 88%, but it can be much lower with good and early patient care. Read more here.

Measles: A growing threat

Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus that infects the respiratory tract and then spreads throughout the body. Symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash all over the body. It spreads quickly when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. It can cause severe disease, complications, and even death.

Measles can affect anyone but is most common in children. To prevent measles, get vaccinated with two doses of the measles vaccine.

Watch Dr Natasha Crowcroft explain in this episode of Science in 5.

There's a lot of misinformation out there about WHO's funding, so let's clear things up! Stay informed, stay curious, and stay with facts.

Plot Twist: A series that tackles misinformation

From tackling HIV epidemic to fighting obesity

Drawing on the lessons from tackling the HIV epidemic 20 years ago, South African society is now pulling together to address obesity. In South Africa today, more than half of the adult population – including more than two thirds of women – are living with overweight or obesity. Prevalence of obesity has increased dramatically over the last two decades and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are now responsible for more deaths and disability than HIV and AIDS or tuberculosis. Costs associated with overweight and obesity now account for 15% of government health spending. Read the full story.

Updates

• European Region reports highest number of measles cases in more than 25 years

• Read the latest Multi-country outbreak of mpox external report.
• Listen to Suzie Miller discuss the complexities of preventing and responding to sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment, especially in the aid sector
• UN Commission approves WHO recommendations to place psychoactive substances under international control

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