Ethiopia Confirms First Marburg Outbreak as WHO Lauds Country’s Fast Action

Ethiopia confirmed its first Marburg outbreak on Friday after identifying nine cases in a southern region neighboring South Sudan. The Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, commended the Ethiopian government’s rapid action, emphasizing their dedication to swiftly controlling the outbreak. On Thursday, Ethiopia’s government announced an investigation into a potential unidentified viral hemorrhagic fever outbreak, receiving praise from Africa CDC for their transparent approach. The WHO dispatched a technical team on Thursday to assist Ethiopia in testing and responding to the outbreak, supplying crucial resources like personal protective equipment and an isolation tent to enhance clinical care capabilities. The outbreak unfolded in the Omo region of southern Ethiopia, which shares a border with South Sudan. Africa CDC’s Director-General, Jean Kaseya, expressed concerns on Thursday due to South Sudan’s proximity and fragile health system. No other African nation has reported Marburg virus cases recently. Similar to Ebola, Marburg virus transmission occurs through contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated surfaces amidst symptoms like fever, muscle pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and potential severe blood loss leading to death. Despite the lack of an approved vaccine or treatment for Marburg, efforts are ongoing to contain the outbreak. © 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. Unauthorized distribution and reproduction prohibited.