Ethiopia Confirms First Marburg Virus Outbreak
Ethiopia's Ministry of Health has confirmed the country's first outbreak of Marburg virus disease, marking a significant public health challenge for the nation. The outbreak was confirmed on November 14, 2025, after laboratory testing of samples from patients in Jinka town, located in the South Ethiopia Region.
Nine Cases Confirmed
Health authorities have reported a total of nine cases in the outbreak. Genetic analysis conducted by the Ethiopia Public Health Institute revealed that the virus strain is similar to those identified in previous outbreaks across East Africa. This connection suggests the virus may have spread from neighboring regions where Marburg has appeared before.
Understanding Marburg Virus
Marburg virus disease is one of the most dangerous infectious diseases known to medical science. It belongs to the same viral family as Ebola and causes similar symptoms. Infected individuals initially experience high fever, severe headaches, muscle aches, and extreme fatigue. Within a week, many patients develop severe bleeding, which can be fatal.
The disease is transmitted to humans through fruit bats, which serve as natural hosts for the virus. Once in human populations, it spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated materials. The virus has an incubation period of up to 21 days, and the fatality rate ranges from 25% to 80%, depending on the outbreak and available medical care.
No Vaccine Available
Currently, no licensed vaccine or specific antiviral treatment exists for Marburg virus disease. However, several experimental treatments are undergoing clinical trials, offering hope for future prevention. Rwanda tested an experimental vaccine from the Sabin Vaccine Institute during its 2024 outbreak. For now, treatment focuses on supportive care, including rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids and managing specific symptoms. Early access to this supportive care significantly improves survival rates.
Response Efforts Underway
Ethiopian health authorities have responded quickly to contain the outbreak. National response measures include community-wide screening programs, isolation of confirmed cases, comprehensive contact tracing, and public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about prevention.
The World Health Organization and international partners have deployed expert teams specializing in viral hemorrhagic fever response. They have also provided essential medical supplies and equipment to support local efforts. The Africa CDC is working closely with Ethiopian authorities to prevent the virus from spreading to other parts of East Africa.
Regional Context
This outbreak comes after recent Marburg cases elsewhere in Africa. Tanzania experienced an epidemic earlier in 2025 that killed ten people before being brought under control in March. Rwanda successfully ended its first known Marburg outbreak in December 2024, which resulted in fifteen deaths. Over the years, the virus has appeared in several African countries, including Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda.
The swift response from Ethiopian authorities and international health organizations demonstrates the lessons learned from previous outbreaks and the importance of rapid action in preventing widespread transmission.