The World Health Organization’s director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said there were already nine cases detected, of which eight died, in Kagera, a region in northwestern Tanzania.

The WHO chief also warned of the possibility of more cases in the coming days as investigations continue.

The WHO has classified Marburg fever as a serious infectious disease that is transmitted between people through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people or surfaces touched by them, and has similarities to Ebola.

Although there is still no vaccine for this condition, specialists point out that oral or intravenous rehydration increases the patient’s chance of survival.

The WHO Director offered his full assistance to the authorities in Tanzania and the communities affected by this suspected outbreak of the dangerous viral disease, and advised neighboring countries to be vigilant.

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