Death Toll from Ethiopia’s Marburg Outbreak Rises to Five

Addis Ababa, Nov 24 – The Ministry of Health in Ethiopia reported that the death toll from the Marburg virus disease outbreak has now reached five individuals. According to the latest update released on Saturday, the case fatality rate stands at 50%. Out of seven suspected cases, two additional infections have been confirmed through laboratory testing, bringing the total number of cases to 10. As Ethiopia implements a coordinated response to combat its first-ever Marburg virus outbreak, health officials have conducted investigations on 53 suspected cases up to now. Currently, five patients with the virus are undergoing treatment in healthcare facilities. The initial outbreak was confirmed in Jinka town on November 14 after samples from suspected viral hemorrhagic fever cases were tested in a lab. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention are leading efforts to prevent the potential spread of the virus to neighboring countries like South Sudan and Kenya. They emphasize the importance of strengthening regional readiness and cross-border surveillance. The Marburg virus, a highly infectious pathogen with symptoms like hemorrhagic fever, has a fatality rate of up to 88%. Early and effective patient care can lower this ratio. The virus was first detected in 1967 during outbreaks in Germany and Serbia. Subsequent cases have been reported in various African countries, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and preparedness.