Ethiopia has confirmed an outbreak of the deadly Marburg virus, with at least nine cases detected in the southern region of the country. The announcement was made by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) on Saturday. The Marburg virus is classified as one of the most lethal pathogens, exhibiting symptoms similar to Ebola, including severe bleeding, fever, vomiting, and diarrhoea. The incubation period for the virus lasts up to 21 days, and it has a fatality rate ranging between 25 and 80 percent.
The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, confirmed the cases on Friday, just two days after the Africa CDC was alerted to a suspected haemorrhagic virus in the area. The National Reference Laboratory in Ethiopia confirmed the presence of Marburg virus disease (MVD). “Further epidemiological investigations and laboratory analyses are underway, and the virus strain detected shows similarities to those previously identified in East Africa,” stated Africa CDC.
Swift Response from Health Authorities
Ethiopian health authorities have acted promptly to confirm and contain the outbreak in the Jinka area. The Africa CDC emphasized its commitment to collaborating with Ethiopian officials to ensure an effective response and mitigate the risk of the virus spreading to other parts of East Africa.
The recent outbreak comes on the heels of a previous epidemic in Tanzania, which resulted in ten deaths earlier this year. This outbreak was contained by March 2024. In December 2024, Rwanda reported the successful containment of its first known Marburg outbreak, which caused 15 fatalities.
Challenges in Treatment and Prevention
Currently, there is no approved vaccine or antiviral treatment available for the Marburg virus. However, supportive care, including oral or intravenous rehydration and treatment for specific symptoms, can enhance patients’ chances of survival. Last year, Rwanda tested an experimental vaccine developed by the US-based Sabin Vaccine Institute, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat this lethal virus.
As Ethiopia navigates this latest public health challenge, the urgency for effective prevention and treatment strategies remains paramount. The global health community continues to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the need for swift action and collaboration to address this serious threat.
