Ethiopia: Ethiopia has confirmed its first-ever outbreak of Marburg virus disease after nine cases were detected in the country’s southern Omo region.
The World Health Organization (WHO) praised Ethiopia’s swift response, noting that national and regional health teams acted quickly to isolate patients, trace contacts, and alert communities. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the early action reflects the country’s strong commitment to stopping the virus before it advances further.
#Ethiopia has confirmed the outbreak that has infected at least 9 people in the south of the country is of #Marburg virus disease.
I commend Ethiopia’s @FMoHealth for its rapid and transparent response to the outbreak, and the work of the Ethiopia Public Health Institute and…
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) November 14, 2025
The confirmation comes after initial reports of suspected viral hemorrhagic fever prompted urgent investigations by Ethiopian health authorities. Samples sent for testing later identified the Marburg virus, a highly severe pathogen from the same family as Ebola.
Marburg is known for its rapid onset and high fatality rate. The virus originates in Egyptian fruit bats and spreads between people through contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person or contaminated materials such as clothing and bedding.
Symptoms typically include fever, rash, vomiting, and severe internal bleeding. There is currently no approved treatment or vaccine, and care focuses on stabilizing patients through fluids, rest, and close monitoring.
Health officials across Africa are watching the situation closely. Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya warned that the proximity to South Sudan, which has a fragile health system, makes the outbreak particularly concerning. No other African country has reported Marburg cases in recent weeks.
Here’s how to protect yourself from #Marburg 👇🏾#ViralFactsAfrica @viralfacts @FMoHealth @EPHIEthiopia pic.twitter.com/vaqhE69ZYD
— WHO Ethiopia (@WHOEthiopia) November 14, 2025
WHO teams are already on the ground assisting Ethiopia with emergency response measures, clinical care, and cross-border preparedness. Community screenings, awareness drives, and door-to-door counselling are underway in Omo to ensure people recognize symptoms early and come forward for testing.
The Ethiopian Ministry of Health reported that all confirmed patients have been isolated and are receiving supportive treatment. Contact tracing teams are expanding their search to identify anyone who may have been exposed, while local leaders are working to counter misinformation and encourage calm. Authorities have urged the public to stay alert, follow health guidance, and seek medical attention immediately if any symptoms appear.
