Ethiopia Confirms Marburg Virus Outbreak in Southern Region

Ethiopia Confirms Marburg Virus Outbreak in Southern Region
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Ethiopia has confirmed an outbreak of the Marburg virus in the southern part of the country, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said, The Guardian reported. The virus, closely related to Ebola, can cause severe bleeding, fever, vomiting, and diarrhoea, with a 21-day incubation period and a fatality rate ranging from 25% to 80%. Transmission occurs through direct contact with the body fluids of infected individuals.

At least nine cases were identified in the Jinka area, according to Ethiopia’s Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the World Health Organization, two days after Africa CDC was alerted to a suspected haemorrhagic virus. The National Reference Laboratory in Ethiopia confirmed the presence of the Marburg virus, and initial analyses suggest the strain is similar to those previously reported in East Africa.

Authorities in Ethiopia have initiated rapid containment measures, while Africa CDC pledged support to minimize the risk of regional spread. Past outbreaks in East Africa have been deadly: Tanzania recorded 10 deaths in a January epidemic, and Rwanda reported 15 fatalities in its first known outbreak in December 2024.

There is no approved vaccine or antiviral treatment for Marburg, but supportive care such as oral or intravenous rehydration can improve survival, and experimental vaccines are being tested in the region.