Ethiopia has confirmed its first outbreak of Marburg virus disease after nine people tested positive in Jinka Town, Southern Region, by November 14, 2025.
Health workers raised an alert earlier in the week after patients showed symptoms of viral hemorrhagic fever. Ethiopia’s National Reference Laboratory confirmed Marburg two days later.
The patients reported high fever, severe headaches, vomiting, diarrhea, and heavy bleeding—classic signs of the deadly virus.
Marburg spreads through contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces and can incubate for up to 21 days, increasing the risk of silent transmission in communities.
Authorities have opened isolation wards in Jinka and deployed surveillance teams to track more than 100 contacts. Community campaigns are urging frequent handwashing, safe burials, and avoidance of bushmeat.
Africa CDC has sent response experts, while the World Health Organization, led by Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has pledged full support.
Ghebreyesus said the organization is actively supporting Ethiopia in containing the virus, treating patients, and preventing possible cross-border spread.
Marburg, linked to fruit bats and first identified in Germany in 1967, has no approved vaccine or treatment. Supportive care is the only option, with fatality rates ranging from 25% to 80%.
Kenya and South Sudan have increased border surveillance, fearing the virus could spread along busy trade routes.
Uganda last fought Marburg in 2017 in Kween District, where three people died after exposure in bat-infested caves. The outbreak was contained through quick isolation and community sensitization.
“Marburg” virus is a viral hemorrhagic fever from the same family as “Ebola” (Filoviridae). It is transmitted through direct contact with body fluids (blood, saliva, urine) of an infected person or through contaminated surfaces.
