Ethiopia has confirmed an outbreak of Marburg virus disease in its southern Omo region, marking the country’s first recorded incidence of the highly fatal haemorrhagic fever. The Federal Ministry of Health and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) announced the confirmation following laboratory testing of samples taken from a cluster of suspected viral-haemorrhagic-fever cases in Jinka town.
Health Minister Mekdes Daba told reporters that laboratory tests have so far confirmed three deaths linked to Marburg and that authorities have investigated multiple suspected cases. Some reports indicate a larger case count in the cluster — with the WHO and partners initially reporting nine cases (eight confirmed and one probable) associated with the event — while Ethiopia’s ministry has worked to trace and test contacts.
The government and regional health teams have activated outbreak response measures, including contact tracing, isolation of suspected cases, community surveillance and enhanced infection-prevention controls at health facilities. Authorities said more than 100 contacts were being monitored and several people placed under self-isolation while teams complete testing and follow-up.
International health agencies have mobilised to support Ethiopia’s response. The World Health Organization (WHO) dispatched technical officers and supplies, and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) confirmed it was working with the Ethiopian authorities to bolster laboratory and genomic capacity and to assist with field investigations. Africa CDC noted that genetic analysis showed the detected virus is similar to Marburg strains previously observed in East Africa.
Marburg virus is an Ebola-like pathogen that causes severe febrile illness and, in some cases, life-threatening haemorrhage. It is transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated objects, and fruit bats are believed to be a natural reservoir. There are currently no licensed vaccines or specific antiviral treatments for Marburg, making rapid detection and classical public-health measures—case isolation, contact tracing, and safe burial practices—critical to containing spread.
Regional health authorities in neighbouring countries have stepped up surveillance and public messaging. South Sudan, which borders the affected area in southern Ethiopia, and national public-health agencies in East Africa have issued advisories urging heightened hygiene, rapid reporting of suspected cases, and preparedness measures given the proximity and fragile health systems in some border areas.
Ethiopia’s rapid public disclosure and laboratory confirmation drew praise from international partners. Both WHO and Africa CDC highlighted the importance of early detection and transparent reporting in enabling a faster, coordinated response and helping to limit the outbreak’s scope. Officials warned, however, that the situation remains fluid and continued vigilance is required while investigations and contact follow-up proceed.
Health authorities have urged local communities to cooperate with response teams, avoid close contact with sick people or their bodily fluids, and to promptly report any suspected symptoms—such as fever, severe headache, vomiting or unexplained bleeding—to health facilities. The Ministry of Health said it is expanding community engagement and risk-communication efforts in the affected zone and preparing isolation and care capacity should more cases be detected.
As investigations continue, the public is being asked not to panic but to follow official guidance. International partners and Ethiopia’s health institutions stressed that rapid containment is feasible with well-executed surveillance, infection-control measures and cross-border coordination. Further laboratory results and epidemiological updates are expected as contact tracing and testing are completed.
