Ethiopia confirms first Marburg outbreak as fears rise over cross-border spread

Ethiopia has recorded its first-ever outbreak of Marburg virus disease, with nine confirmed cases in the Omo region, prompting swift action from national health authorities and heightened vigilance over potential spread to neighbouring South Sudan.

The Ministry of Health confirmed the cases after frontline health workers in Omo reported several patients showing symptoms typical of viral haemorrhagic fever. Subsequent testing by the Ethiopia Public Health Institute verified the presence of the Marburg virus, leading to an immediate emergency response in the affected communities.

World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised Ethiopia’s “rapid and transparent” handling of the situation, noting that such early action is critical to containing highly infectious diseases. He said WHO teams across country, regional and global offices are working closely with Ethiopian authorities to manage confirmed cases, strengthen surveillance and prevent wider transmission.

The outbreak’s location near the South Sudan border has raised particular concern. Africa CDC Director-General Dr John Nkengasong noted that frequent population movement and South Sudan’s fragile health system could pose challenges if cross-border spread occurs.

About Marburg virus disease

Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a severe, often fatal form of viral haemorrhagic fever caused by the Marburg virus, a pathogen in the same family as Ebola. The virus is believed to originate in the Egyptian fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus), which acts as its natural reservoir. Initial transmission to humans typically occurs through exposure to infected bats or contaminated environments such as caves and mines. Human-to-human spread follows through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or contaminated materials of infected individuals.

Symptoms generally begin suddenly with high fever, severe headache, muscle pain and malaise, followed by rash, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in many cases, internal or external bleeding. Mortality rates in past outbreaks have ranged between 24% and 88%, depending on the strain and quality of care.

There is currently no approved vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for MVD. Supportive care including rehydration, stabilisation of vital functions and treatment of symptoms remains the only effective medical intervention, although several vaccine and therapeutic candidates are in clinical trials.

Ethiopian authorities have isolated all confirmed patients and intensified contact-tracing efforts, alongside community-wide screening in Omo. The public has been advised to avoid contact with infected individuals, seek immediate medical attention if symptoms appear, practise strict hygiene, and avoid exposure to bats or potentially infected animals. Healthcare workers have been urged to maintain rigorous infection-prevention protocols, including the use of protective equipment.

The WHO is also coordinating measures to reduce cross-border risks, including information-sharing with neighbouring countries, technical assistance for emergency preparedness, and support for community awareness campaigns aimed at reducing transmission.