Ethiopia Marburg virus: Ethiopia has confirmed an outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) in the country’s south, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said, following the confirmation by the National Reference Laboratory. World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at least nine cases have been identified, following earlier alerts this week about a suspected hemorrhagic fever in the region.
Health officials said the outbreak is centered around the Jinka area, where rapid response teams are tracing contacts and reinforcing infection-prevention measures. Genetic analysis suggests the virus is closely related to strains previously seen in East Africa.
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Marburg, a filovirus related to Ebola, spreads through contact with infected body fluids. It typically begins with high fever and severe headache and can progress to vomiting, diarrhoea, and bleeding. The case-fatality rate has ranged from 25% to 80%, and the incubation period can reach 21 days. There is no licensed vaccine or antiviral therapy; supportive care with oral or IV rehydration and management of complications improves survival.
Africa CDC said it is working with Ethiopian authorities to contain the outbreak and reduce the risk of regional spread. Neighbouring countries have faced recent events: Tanzania reported an outbreak that killed 10 people earlier this year before declaring it over, and Rwanda ended its first known Marburg epidemic in late 2024 after 15 deaths. Rwanda also hosted a trial of an experimental vaccine from the Sabin Vaccine Institute.
Ethiopia’s health ministry has urged the public to follow guidance on hygiene, safe burials, and prompt reporting of suspected cases as investigations and laboratory analyses continue.