The Ministry of Health has ramped up surveillance and public health measures to guard against the potential spread of Marburg virus disease, a deadly hemorrhagic fever, after neighbouring Tanzania reported 10 confirmed cases earlier this year, all of which resulted in death.

While no cases have been detected in Malawi to date, health authorities are taking no chances.

Dr. Kondwani Mamba, Deputy Director for Community and Promotive Health at the Ministry of Health, emphasized the country’s preparedness during a sensitization workshop for journalists in Blantyre.

“Our borders are well-prepared with screening protocols, and we are strengthening health worker capacity and public awareness to ensure early detection and response,” he stated.

Dr. Mamba said the ministry has deployed enhanced screening measures at airports and land crossings.

“Travelers displaying symptoms such as fever, severe headache, or unexplained bleeding are being flagged for further testing. Health workers nationwide are also undergoing training to identify and manage potential cases,” he said.

Marburg virus, a close relative of Ebola, is transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals, such as fruit bats, and spreads via direct contact with bodily fluids of symptomatic individuals.