Mon Nov 17 23:20:00 UTC 2025: Summary:

Ethiopia has confirmed an outbreak of the deadly Marburg virus in the south of the country, with at least nine cases detected. The Africa CDC and Ethiopian health authorities are working to contain the outbreak in the Jinka area and prevent further spread. Marburg is a highly lethal virus, similar to Ebola, causing severe symptoms and death rates ranging from 25% to 80%. There is no approved vaccine or antiviral treatment, but supportive care can improve survival chances.

News Article:

Marburg Virus Outbreak Confirmed in Ethiopia, Sparking Regional Concerns

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – A deadly outbreak of the Marburg virus has been confirmed in southern Ethiopia, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) announced on Saturday. At least nine cases of the Ebola-like illness have been detected in the Jinka area, prompting swift action from Ethiopian health authorities and international health organizations.

The Marburg virus, a highly infectious pathogen, is known for causing severe bleeding, fever, vomiting, and diarrhoea. The virus is transmitted through contact with bodily fluids and has a 21-day incubation period. The fatality rate can range from 25% to 80%, making it one of the deadliest known viruses.

“Marburg virus disease (MVD) has been confirmed by the National Reference Laboratory (in Ethiopia),” the Africa CDC stated. “Further epidemiological investigations and laboratory analyses are under way, and the virus strain detected shows similarities to those previously identified in east Africa.”

The World Health Organization (WHO), led by Ethiopian native Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, confirmed the outbreak on Friday, two days after the Africa CDC was alerted to a suspected haemorrhagic virus in the region.

Ethiopian health authorities are working diligently to contain the outbreak and prevent its spread. The Africa CDC has pledged its support to Ethiopia, ensuring an effective response and minimizing the risk of the virus spreading to other parts of east Africa.

This outbreak follows recent Marburg outbreaks in Tanzania and Rwanda, highlighting the continued threat of this deadly virus in the region. Rwanda managed to stamp out its first known Marburg epidemic in December 2024, which resulted in 15 deaths.

Currently, there is no approved vaccine or antiviral treatment for the Marburg virus. However, supportive care, including oral or intravenous rehydration and treatment of specific symptoms, can improve a patient’s chances of survival. Last year, Rwanda trialled an experimental vaccine from the US-based Sabin Vaccine Institute.

The situation remains fluid, and health officials are closely monitoring the outbreak to implement necessary measures to protect the public and prevent further spread of the Marburg virus.

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