14 November 2025 Addis Ababa
Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health has officially confirmed the country’s first outbreak of Marburg virus disease, marking a significant public health alert in the South Ethiopia Region. The confirmation follows laboratory tests conducted on samples from a cluster of suspected viral haemorrhagic fever cases reported in Jinka town.
According to the Ethiopia Public Health Institute, genetic sequencing shows that the virus belongs to the same strain previously detected in other East African outbreaks. So far, nine cases have been documented, prompting an urgent national response.
Government Ramps Up Emergency Response
Health authorities are intensifying efforts to contain the outbreak, including:
- Community-wide screening
- Isolation and clinical care for confirmed cases
- Aggressive contact tracing
- Public awareness and risk communication campaigns
These interventions aim to curb transmission of the Marburg virus, a close relative of the Ebola virus and one of the world’s deadliest pathogens.
WHO Deploys Experts and Medical Supplies
The World Health Organization (WHO), alongside other global health partners, is supporting Ethiopia’s response. A specialized team with expertise in viral haemorrhagic fever outbreaks has been deployed, bringing essential medical supplies, protective equipment, and technical guidance to help halt the spread quickly and safely.
So what Is Marburg Virus Disease?
Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a severe, highly infectious, and often fatal illness caused by the Marburg virus. It originates from fruit bats and spreads among humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated surfaces and materials.
Symptoms and Treatment
Early symptoms usually appear suddenly and include:
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Muscle pain
- Extreme fatigue
Within a week, many patients may develop severe bleeding, a hallmark of viral haemorrhagic fevers.
Currently, no approved vaccine or antiviral treatment exists for Marburg virus disease. However, supportive care including rapid rehydration, oxygen therapy, and management of specific symptoms has been shown to significantly improve survival rates. Multiple treatment and vaccine candidates are in development and undergoing clinical trials.
Africa has recorded multiple Marburg outbreaks over the years, with previous cases in Angola, Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, Rwanda, Equatorial Guinea, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Ethiopia’s confirmation adds a new chapter to the region’s ongoing fight against emerging infectious diseases.