Ethiopia has officially declared its first ever outbreak of the Marburg virus over, after 42 consecutive days without any new confirmed cases, according to the World Health Organization.
The outbreak was first confirmed on 14 November 2025 in the South Ethiopia Region and was brought under control in less than three months following a rapid public health response.
A total of 14 confirmed Marburg cases were recorded during the outbreak, including nine deaths and five recoveries. Health authorities also reported five additional probable deaths linked to the virus.
The WHO said it worked closely with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute to coordinate the response across four affected districts. These included Jinka, Malle, and Arba Minch in the South Ethiopia Region, as well as Hawassa in the Sidama Region.
Within 24 hours of the outbreak being confirmed, the WHO deployed 36 experts and reassigned 28 additional staff to support the government led response on the ground.
During the outbreak, 857 contacts were identified and monitored for 21 days. Three health workers were infected, two of whom later died.
The WHO said Ethiopia’s ability to contain the outbreak was strengthened by earlier investments in public health preparedness, including improved laboratory capacity, stronger disease surveillance systems, a trained health workforce, and effective coordination through the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre.
Marburg is a rare but highly deadly viral disease similar to Ebola. It causes symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, and internal and external bleeding. There is currently no licensed vaccine or specific treatment.
The virus has previously been reported in several African countries, including Angola, Guinea, Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania.