Minister of Health Khumbize Chiponda said the country has capacity in all its entry points to screen and detect suspected cases of the Marburg virus disease.

It comes days after neighbouring Tanzania, confirmed eight cases of the viral disease – including five deaths. Nine cases have also been confirmed in Equatorial Guinea.

Chiponda said the country has the capacity to provide clinical care to Marburg patients in line with standard guidelines.

“The Ministry, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will continue to monitor the situation in Tanzania and in the region and update the public accordingly,” Chiponda said in a statement on Thursday.

The Marburg virus is in the same family as the equally deadly Ebola virus. Its signs and symptoms include unexplained bleeding, vomiting with blood, joint and muscle pain, high fever and headache.

Chiponda said everyone should take precautionary measures to avoid contracting the virus.