Tanzania’s Chief Medical Officer Tumaini Nagu who on March 17, announced that doctors were investigating a mysterious disease that broke out in Kagera region and which had already killed five people and left two others in critical condition.

According to reports, symptoms of the illness which broke out in two villages in Bukoba, Kagera region, include fever, vomiting, diarrhoea and bleeding through various body openings.

A team of doctors was dispatched to investigate.

"The two other patients are in hospital undergoing treatment. The trend of the disease indicates the possibility of it being infectious," Prof Nagu is quoted.

Health experts are reportedly closely monitoring the disease and have taken control measures to prevent its spread.

Prof Nagu urged the public, especially in Kagera region, to take precautions including avoiding touching patients' bodily fluids such as saliva, tears, blood, urine and faeces, or from a person with the specified symptoms.

"Provide information immediately to the nearest hospital or call the landline number 199 free of charge if you see or meet someone with such symptoms," she said.