Ethiopia Reports Three Marburg Virus Deaths in Recent Outbreak

Ethiopia has officially confirmed three deaths caused by the Marburg hemorrhagic virus in an area adjacent to South Sudan. Health Minister Mekdes Daba announced the outbreak in Ethiopia’s Omo region, revealing that tests were conducted on 17 suspected cases in the southern part of the country. Although no active cases have been reported, the government is implementing preventive measures. To assist with testing and outbreak control, a team from the World Health Organization and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been dispatched. South Sudan’s health ministry has issued a public health advisory to its residents, urging frequent handwashing and avoidance of bodily fluids to contain the virus. Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya expressed concerns due to South Sudan’s vulnerable healthcare system. Similar to Ebola, the Marburg virus is transmitted through close contact with infected individuals’ bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces like bed sheets. Without treatment, Marburg can be fatal in up to 88% of cases, with symptoms including fever, muscle pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and potentially fatal blood loss. Presently, there is no authorized vaccine or treatment available for Marburg.