Ethiopia Confirms Deadly Marburg Virus Outbreak as East Africa Races to Contain Threat
November 17, 2025
Ethiopia has officially confirmed a new outbreak of the highly lethal Marburg virus in its southern region, prompting immediate national and regional response measures. According to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), at least nine cases have been identified following laboratory confirmation by Ethiopia’s National Reference Laboratory.
Marburg virus is regarded as one of the most dangerous pathogens known to modern medicine. Closely related to Ebola, it triggers severe symptoms including high fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, and internal bleeding. Its incubation period can extend up to 21 days, and its fatality rate ranges from 25% to 80% depending on early medical intervention.
World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced on Friday that the infections were detected in southern Ethiopia, two days after Africa CDC issued a warning regarding a suspected haemorrhagic fever circulating in the area.
Africa CDC confirmed that ongoing epidemiological investigations show the detected strain is similar to previous Marburg outbreaks in East Africa. Ethiopian authorities have already deployed rapid response teams to Jinka, the affected area, to contain potential transmission.
East Africa has experienced repeated Marburg incidents over the past two years. Tanzania recorded 10 fatalities earlier this year before declaring its outbreak over in March. Rwanda, which faced its first Marburg epidemic in late 2024, reported 15 deaths before successfully stopping transmission.
There is currently no licensed vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for Marburg virus disease. However, supportive therapies—including intravenous or oral rehydration and treatment of symptoms—can significantly improve survival. Rwanda recently tested an experimental vaccine from the Sabin Vaccine Institute, though it remains under study.
Africa CDC stated that it will continue to support Ethiopia with surveillance, diagnostics, and response planning to prevent the virus from spreading further across East Africa. Public health experts warn that early intervention, community awareness, and coordinated cross-border monitoring will be essential in stopping the outbreak.