Marburg Virus Outbreak in Ethiopia

Ethiopia has officially confirmed its first-ever outbreak of the deadly Marburg virus disease (MVD), sparking urgent containment efforts in the country’s southern region. As of 14 November 2025, nine cases have been verified by the National Reference Laboratory, with health workers among those affected. The World Health Organization (WHO) and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) are collaborating closely with Ethiopian authorities to curb the spread of this rare but severe haemorrhagic fever. This development comes amid concerns over potential cross-border risks, given the area’s proximity to South Sudan. Here’s a comprehensive look at the situation, including symptoms, transmission, and ongoing response measures.

Details of the Confirmed Cases and Location

The outbreak was first detected in the South Ethiopia Region, specifically around the Omo area and Jinka, which borders the fragile health system of South Sudan. Initial reports emerged earlier in the week, with samples from a cluster of suspected viral haemorrhagic fever cases sent for testing. By 14 November 2025, laboratory results confirmed Marburg virus as the cause, marking Ethiopia’s inaugural encounter with this pathogen.

Out of the nine confirmed cases, several involve health workers who likely contracted the virus while providing care. Prior to confirmation, eight possible cases were flagged, highlighting the rapid progression of investigations. No deaths have been reported in the available updates, but the situation remains fluid as surveillance continues. The virus strain matches those seen in prior outbreaks across East Africa, raising questions about regional transmission patterns.

Understanding Marburg Virus: Symptoms and Transmission

Marburg virus, part of the Filoviridae family alongside Ebola, is known for its filamentous structure and origins in Egyptian fruit bats, which serve as natural reservoirs. It causes a rare but severe haemorrhagic fever, often more deadly than Ebola, with fatality rates historically ranging from 24% to 88% depending on the strain and management.

Symptoms typically appear 2 to 21 days after exposure and start suddenly with high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, and malaise. As the disease progresses, patients may experience a maculopapular rash, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, sore throat, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea. In severe cases, bleeding (haemorrhaging) from multiple sites, including orifices and internal organs, leads to shock and multi-organ failure. The virus spreads from bats to humans through contact with infected animals or their habitats, then human-to-human via direct contact with bodily fluids like blood, saliva, urine, or semen of infected individuals, or through contaminated surfaces such as bedding or clothing.

There is currently no approved vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for Marburg virus disease. Management focuses on supportive care, including rehydration, symptom relief, and infection prevention to improve survival chances. Experimental therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies, have shown promise in trials, but access remains limited in outbreak settings.

Coordinated Response Efforts Underway

Ethiopian health authorities, including the Federal Ministry of Health and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute, acted swiftly upon detecting the cluster. Community-wide screenings, contact tracing, isolation of cases, and public awareness campaigns are in full swing to contain the outbreak. The ministry has advised the public to avoid panic, follow health guidelines, and seek immediate medical attention for symptoms.

International support has been robust. The WHO has deployed 11 technical officers to the affected areas for surveillance, case investigation, laboratory testing, and infection control. They’ve supplied medicines, personal protective equipment (PPE) for health workers, and a deployable isolation tent to enhance clinical capacity. Additionally, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus released $300,000 from the Contingency Fund for Emergencies to bolster national efforts. He praised Ethiopia’s “rapid and transparent response,” noting it demonstrates commitment to quick control.

Africa CDC is partnering for enhanced surveillance, genomic sequencing, and coordinated response, emphasising the need due to the border with South Sudan. WHO offices in both countries are working to prevent cross-border spread, with readiness to scale up if needed. Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya highlighted the concern over regional vulnerabilities.

Potential Risks and Global Context

This outbreak adds to a series of Marburg incidents in Africa, following cases in Rwanda earlier in 2025, where over 60 people were infected and 15 died before containment. Other recent outbreaks include Ghana in 2022 and Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania in 2023. The virus’s high fatality rate and lack of treatments underscore the importance of early detection and isolation.

Experts warn of risks in areas with weak health infrastructure, animal-human interfaces, and conflict zones. While no cases have been reported elsewhere recently, vigilance is key to avoiding wider spread. Public health messages stress hygiene, avoiding contact with bats or sick individuals, and reporting symptoms promptly.

🔴Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 119 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Jacob Zuma Welcomes Tony Yengeni to MK Party as Second Deputy President in Major Leadership Shake-Up🔴

Marburg Virus Outbreak Confirmed in Ethiopia: 9 Cases Reported as Health Authorities Mobilise Response

Marburg virus

Marburg Virus Outbreak in Ethiopia

South African Post Office Seeks Strategic Partners to Secure Future and Modernise Operations

Shell Reviews High Court Appeal Permission in West Coast Offshore Drilling Case

Related Articles

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply