Ethiopia Reports First Marburg Virus Outbreak, WHO Mobilizes Response
Ethiopia has confirmed its first outbreak of Marburg virus disease after health officials identified nine cases in the southern region of the country. The Ministry of Health announced that the patients presented with symptoms consistent with the hemorrhagic fever, including high fever, severe headache, and bleeding, and that laboratory testing confirmed the presence of the Marburg virus.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has been alerted and is coordinating an emergency response. WHO officials emphasized the need for rapid case identification, contact tracing, and isolation to prevent further transmission. A team of epidemiologists and laboratory specialists has been dispatched to the affected area to assist local health workers, provide personal protective equipment, and support diagnostic capacity.
Marburg virus, a member of the filovirus family related to Ebola, is rare but highly lethal, with case‑fatality rates ranging from 24% to 88% in previous outbreaks. The virus is typically transmitted to humans from fruit bats and can spread through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of infected individuals. The most recent major outbreaks occurred in West Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo, prompting heightened global surveillance.
Health authorities in Ethiopia have begun extensive contact tracing, identifying and monitoring individuals who may have been exposed to the confirmed cases. Public health messages are being disseminated through radio and community leaders to educate residents about symptoms, preventive measures, and the importance of seeking medical care promptly. The government has also imposed temporary travel restrictions in the affected districts to limit movement while the situation is contained.
International partners, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the African Union, are offering technical assistance and supplies. Experts caution that while the outbreak is currently localized, continued vigilance is essential to prevent wider spread. The WHO will provide regular updates as more information becomes available and as response efforts progress.
