Al Jazeera reports that Ethiopia has confirmed its first outbreak of Marburg virus disease after nine cases were detected in the country’s southern Omo region, which borders conflict-affected South Sudan.
According to the report, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus commended Ethiopian health authorities for their “rapid and transparent response,” noting that swift action is critical to containing the highly lethal viral disease.
The confirmation came a day after the World Health Organization announced that it was investigating suspected cases of viral hemorrhagic fever in Ethiopia.
Marburg virus, a highly virulent pathogen in the same family as Ebola, is described by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a rare but severe hemorrhagic fever transmitted from fruit bats and spread through contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated materials. Symptoms include fever, rash and severe bleeding. There is currently no approved treatment or vaccine, with care limited to supportive management.
Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya expressed concern over the outbreak’s proximity to South Sudan, which continues to struggle with a fragile health system.
It added that the WHO is actively supporting Ethiopia in its containment efforts, including treatment of infected individuals and steps to prevent cross-border spread. Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health has initiated community screenings, public awareness campaigns, isolation of confirmed cases and extensive contact tracing.
Health authorities are urging residents to remain calm, follow official guidance and seek medical attention if they develop symptoms associated with the virus.
