This photo taken on Feb. 23, 2023 shows Changuu Island, also known as Prison Island, in Zanzibar, Tanzania. (Xinhua/Dong Jianghui)
Tanzania's Zanzibar authorities on Friday assured tourists that there was no outbreak of Marburg viral disease (MVD) on the Indian Ocean islands.
DAR ES SALAAM, April 8 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania's Zanzibar authorities on Friday assured tourists that there was no outbreak of Marburg viral disease (MVD) on the Indian Ocean islands.
Simai Mohammed Said, Zanzibar's minister of tourism and heritage, said in a statement that the islands are safe for tourists and businesses.
This photo taken on Feb. 23 , 2023 shows a slave trade monument in Zanzibar, Tanzania. (Xinhua/Xie Hao)
He made the statement against the backdrop of the reported outbreak of MVD in March in Tanzanian mainland's northwestern Bukoba Rural District in Kagera Region, which killed five people.
"All necessary steps have been taken by the authorities to guarantee visitors' safety," he said in the statement, adding that there was no travel advisory issued to travelers visiting Zanzibar.
Foreign tourists have dinner at a seaside restaurant in Zanzibar, Tanzania, Feb. 21, 2023. (Xinhua/Dong Jianghui)
"Given that COVID-19 is still fresh in our minds, we understand that people are cautious when learning of new epidemic outbreaks," he said.
"Tanzania is adhering to the World Health Organization standards, and people have no reason to worry," the minister added. ■