Ethiopia confirms 3 deaths from Marburg virus in new outbreak

Ethiopia confirmed three deaths from the Marburg hemorrhagic virus on Monday in an area neighboring South Sudan. Health Minister Mekdes Daba stated that the government had conducted tests on 17 suspected cases in the south of the country where the outbreak was reported in the Omo region. While there are currently no active cases, preventive measures are being implemented. A team from the World Health Organization and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been sent to assist with testing and outbreak control. South Sudan’s health ministry issued a public health advisory to residents of four counties to prevent the spread of the virus by washing hands frequently and avoiding contact with bodily fluids. Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya expressed concern about the fragile health system in South Sudan in dealing with the outbreak. Marburg virus, like Ebola, originates in fruit bats and spreads through close contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces. Without treatment, Marburg can be fatal in up to 88% of cases, presenting symptoms such as fever, muscle pains, diarrhea, vomiting, and severe blood loss. There is currently no approved vaccine or treatment for Marburg. Past outbreaks and cases have been recorded in several African countries, including Rwanda, Tanzania, Equatorial Guinea, Angola, Congo, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, and Ghana, according to WHO. © 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.