Ethiopia has confirmed its first outbreak of the deadly Marburg virus, identifying nine cases in the southern Omo region. The outbreak, near the South Sudan border, prompted urgent international attention due to cross-border health risks and fragile neighbouring systems.
World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised Ethiopia’s swift response, calling it a strong commitment to containing the virus quickly. Ethiopia had initially reported a suspected viral hemorrhagic fever on Thursday, earning commendation from Africa CDC for its transparency and early action.
WHO immediately deployed a technical team to support testing, contact tracing, and outbreak management across the affected southern region. The U.N. agency also delivered protective gear for health workers, infection-prevention supplies, and an isolation tent to bolster clinical care capacity.
Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya warned the outbreak’s proximity to South Sudan raised concern due to its fragile health infrastructure. Marburg virus, like Ebola, originates in fruit bats and spreads through close contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces.
Symptoms include fever, muscle pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and in severe cases, death from extreme blood loss, with no approved treatment available. Authorities are urging heightened surveillance, community awareness, and strict infection-control measures to prevent further spread within Ethiopia and across borders.
The rapid detection and transparent reporting have been hailed as a critical step in preventing a larger regional health crisis. Global health experts are monitoring the situation closely, stressing the urgency of early containment and international support for vulnerable regions.