Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) [Ethiopia], November 15 (ANI): Ethiopia has confirmed its first outbreak of Marburg virus disease after nine cases were reported, prompting urgent action from the Ministry of Health and raising concerns about possible spread to neighboring countries, Al Jazeera reported.
The Health Ministry confirmed nine cases in the Omo region, near the border with South Sudan. The confirmation came after health workers reported several patients showing symptoms associated with viral hemorrhagic fever.
World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Friday that Ethiopian health authorities responded swiftly and transparently. He wrote on social media that the rapid action demonstrates the country’s commitment to containing the crisis early.
“I commend Ethiopia’s @FMoHealth for its rapid and transparent response to the outbreak, and the work of the Ethiopia Public Health Institute and regional health authorities. This fast action demonstrates the seriousness of the country’s commitment to bringing the outbreak under control quickly. WHO, at country, regional and headquarters levels, is actively supporting Ethiopia to contain the outbreak and treat infected people, and supporting all efforts to address the potential of cross-border spread.”
The WHO had earlier stated that it was investigating suspected cases of Marburg, and teams are now working with Ethiopian officials to trace contacts, treat patients, and prevent further spread to other regions, according to Al Jazeera.
Africa CDC Director-General Dr. John Nkengasong expressed concern about the outbreak’s proximity to South Sudan, which he noted has a fragile healthcare system.
No other African nation has reported Marburg infections in recent weeks, increasing focus on Ethiopia’s containment efforts.
Marburg belongs to the same virus family as Ebola and is considered highly severe. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes it as a rare but serious illness that causes fever, rash, and heavy internal or external bleeding. There is no approved vaccine or specific treatment; care is limited to managing symptoms through rest, fluids, and supportive medical intervention.
The virus is believed to originate in Egyptian fruit bats and spreads through direct contact with the body fluids of infected individuals or contaminated objects such as bedding or clothing.
Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a severe and often fatal hemorrhagic fever, with symptoms including high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, and rash that can progress to hemorrhagic complications and organ failure. It spreads through direct or indirect contact with the blood and body fluids of infected humans or animals. Supportive care can improve survival, and candidates for vaccines and treatments are currently in clinical trials.
The Ethiopian Health Ministry stated that infected individuals have been isolated and are receiving medical treatment. Teams on the ground are tracing potential contacts and conducting community-wide screenings. Officials urged the public to remain calm, follow health advisories, and seek medical help immediately if symptoms appear.
Tedros said the WHO is providing technical and medical assistance to Ethiopia and supporting efforts to prevent the outbreak from spreading across borders.
There is no specific approved vaccine or antiviral treatment for MVD. However, early intensive supportive care, including rehydration and treatment of symptoms, can improve survival rates. Prevention depends on avoiding contact with the natural reservoir and infected individuals. Strict infection prevention and control measures remain crucial in healthcare settings and when caring for infected patients. (ANI)
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