Marburg Virus in Ethiopia: Current Situation and Health Guidelines

AFP- Nairobi

Ethiopia has confirmed an outbreak of the deadly Marburg virus in the southern part of the country, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). At least nine cases of this Ebola-like illness, which can kill up to 80% of those infected, have been detected. The Marburg virus is among the most lethal pathogens known. Similar to Ebola, it leads to severe symptoms such as bleeding, fever, vomiting, and diarrhea, with a 21- day incubation period. Like Ebola, it spreads through contact with infected body fluids and has a fatality rate ranging from 25% to 80%.

On Friday, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of the World Health Organization, confirmed that nine cases had been identified in southern Ethiopia, just two days after the Africa CDC was notified of a suspected hemorrhagic virus in the area. "Marburg virus disease (MVD) has been confirmed by the National Reference Laboratory in Ethiopia," stated Africa CDC on Saturday. "Ongoing epidemiological investigations and laboratory tests are being conducted, and the virus strain found shows similarities to those previously seen in East Africa." The Ethiopian health authorities have acted quickly to confirm and manage the outbreak in the Jinka region. They will collaborate with Ethiopia to ensure a strong response and minimize the risk of the virus spreading to other areas of East Africa.

Earlier this year, a Marburg virus epidemic resulted in 10 deaths in Tanzania before it was brought under control in March. In December 2024, Rwanda reported that it had successfully eliminated its first known Marburg outbreak, which resulted in 15 fatalities. Currently, there is no approved vaccine or antiviral treatment for the Marburg virus, but rehydration through oral or intravenous methods and addressing specific symptoms can improve patients' chances of survival. Last year, Rwanda conducted trials for an experimental vaccine developed by the US-based Sabin Vaccine Institute.