Ethiopia has confirmed an outbreak of the deadly Marburg virus in the south of the country, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). The confirmation came after a suspected haemorrhagic virus was reported in the region earlier this week.Marburg virus is a highly virulent pathogen,similar to Ebola,causing severe fever,vomiting,diarrhea,and meaningful internal and external bleeding. The virus has a 21-day incubation period and a fatality rate ranging from 25% to 80%. Transmission occurs through contact with body fluids of infected individuals.
World Health Organization Director-General, ethiopia’s Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, announced on Friday that at least nine cases had been detected in southern Ethiopia. Africa CDC confirmed on Saturday that laboratory analysis identified the virus as Marburg. Initial findings suggest the strain is similar to those previously seen in East Africa.
Ethiopian health authorities have responded quickly to confirm the outbreak and implement containment measures in the Jinka area. Africa CDC stated it will collaborate with Ethiopia to ensure an effective response and prevent further spread within East Africa.
Recent Marburg outbreaks have occurred in neighboring countries. Tanzania experienced an epidemic in January that was contained by March, resulting in 10 deaths. Rwanda successfully controlled it’s first known Marburg epidemic in December 2024, with 15 fatalities.
Currently, there are no approved vaccines or antiviral treatments for Marburg virus. However, supportive care, including oral or intravenous rehydration and symptom management, can improve patient survival rates. Rwanda initiated trials last year of an experimental vaccine developed by the US-based Sabin Vaccine Institute.
