Ethiopia has confirmed an outbreak of the highly dangerous Marburg virus in the southern part of the country, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) announced on Saturday.
Marburg is one of the world’s deadliest viruses. Similar to Ebola, it causes severe bleeding, high fever, vomiting and diarrhoea, with an incubation period of up to 21 days. It spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids and has a fatality rate ranging from 25% to 80%.
The Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said on Friday that at least nine cases had been confirmed in southern Ethiopia. This came two days after the Africa CDC received reports of a suspected haemorrhagic fever in the area.
Africa CDC said the National Reference Laboratory in Ethiopia verified the cases, adding that early investigations show the virus strain is similar to those previously found in East Africa.
Ethiopian health officials have already begun measures to contain the outbreak in the Jinka area. Africa CDC also pledged support to help ensure a strong response and prevent the spread to neighbouring countries.
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Earlier this year, Tanzania recorded an outbreak that killed 10 people before it was brought under control in March. Rwanda also announced in late 2024 that it had successfully ended its first Marburg outbreak, which claimed 15 lives.
There is currently no approved vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for Marburg. However, prompt rehydration and managing symptoms can significantly improve survival chances.
Last year, Rwanda tested an experimental vaccine developed by the US-based Sabin Vaccine Institute.
