Ethiopia Declares End of Marburg Virus Disease Outbreak
The Ministry of Health of Ethiopia officially declared the end of the Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak on January 26, 2026. This declaration followed 42 consecutive days without any new confirmed cases, adhering to World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations after the last confirmed MVD death occurred and was safely buried on December 14, 2025.
The Ministry of Health of Ethiopia officially declared the end of the Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak on January 26, 2026, following 42 consecutive days without any new confirmed cases.
Outbreak Overview
A total of 19 MVD cases were reported during the outbreak. This included 14 confirmed cases, resulting in nine deaths, and five probable cases, all of whom died. The outbreak began on November 14, 2025, after laboratory confirmation of suspected viral hemorrhagic fever cases in Jinka town, South Ethiopia Regional State. This marked Ethiopia's first reported MVD outbreak.
Cases were identified across Jinka, Malle, and Dasench woredas in the South Ethiopia Region, and Hawassa in the Sidama Region. Throughout the response, 857 contacts were monitored and completed their 21-day follow-up period.
About Marburg Virus Disease
MVD is a severe illness caused by the Marburg or Ravn viruses, with a high case fatality rate historically ranging from 24% to 88%. The virus typically transmits from fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus) to humans and subsequently spreads human-to-human through direct contact with bodily fluids, contaminated surfaces, or infected materials.
Symptoms, which appear 2 to 21 days post-exposure, include high fever, severe headache, malaise, muscle aches, and progressive gastrointestinal issues. Advanced stages can involve bleeding, shock, and organ failure. Currently, no approved treatments or vaccines exist, though early supportive care improves survival. Previous MVD outbreaks have occurred in various African nations.
Public Health Response
Ethiopian health authorities, in collaboration with the WHO and partners, implemented a comprehensive public health response:
- Coordination: A National Taskforce was established, and Public Health Emergency Operational Centres were activated at national and regional levels.
- Surveillance & Case Management: Enhanced community surveillance, contact tracing, house-to-house visits, and medical service delivery. Two hospitals were designated as treatment centers.
- Laboratory Capacity: National laboratory capabilities were strengthened, including the deployment of a mobile laboratory in Jinka.
- Risk Communication: Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) teams disseminated prevention messages, conducted community dialogues, and addressed misinformation.
- International Support: WHO provided extensive technical, operational, and financial support, including emergency supplies, expert deployment, and capacity building across all response pillars.
Continued Vigilance and Advice
While the immediate outbreak has concluded, the risk of MVD re-emergence from animal reservoirs persists. WHO advises maintaining robust early detection and care capacities to ensure rapid response to any future cases. Key risk reduction measures include:
- Bat-to-Human Transmission: Individuals in mines or caves inhabited by fruit bats should wear protective clothing.
- Human-to-Human Transmission: Avoid close physical contact with infected individuals. Suspected or confirmed patients should be isolated in designated treatment centers.
- Community Engagement: Inform communities about the disease and containment measures, including safe and dignified burials.
- Healthcare IPC: Implement and strengthen infection prevention and control (IPC) measures in all healthcare facilities, including appropriate PPE, hand hygiene, and safe waste management.
- Survivor Support: Establish comprehensive care programs for MVD survivors to address sequelae and mitigate transmission risk.
WHO currently advises against any travel and trade restrictions with Ethiopia.