Ethiopia has confirmed the emergence of the lethal Marburg virus in its southern region, as announced by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) on Saturday. The confirmation comes in the wake of at least nine cases being detected in the Jinka area, marking a significant public health concern.
The Marburg virus is known for its severe symptoms, which include intense bleeding, fever, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Similar to the Ebola virus, it has an incubation period of up to 21 days and is transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids. Fatality rates for the Marburg virus can range from 25 to 80 percent, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
According to the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), **Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus**, the Ethiopian health authorities acted swiftly after the Africa CDC was alerted to a suspected haemorrhagic virus in the region. The National Reference Laboratory in Ethiopia confirmed the presence of the Marburg virus disease (MVD). The Africa CDC reported that further epidemiological investigations and laboratory analyses are currently underway. Initial findings suggest that the strain detected shares similarities with those previously identified in East Africa.
Rapid Response to Contain the Outbreak
The Africa CDC commended Ethiopian health officials for their rapid response to the outbreak, which has been crucial in efforts to contain the virus. The organization has pledged to collaborate with Ethiopia to ensure an effective response and mitigate the risk of the virus spreading beyond its borders into other parts of East Africa.
This latest outbreak follows a troubling epidemic in Tanzania earlier this year, where ten individuals lost their lives to the Marburg virus before it was contained in March. Additionally, Rwanda reported its first known outbreak of the Marburg virus in December 2024, which resulted in 15 fatalities but was successfully contained.
There is currently no approved vaccine or antiviral treatment specifically for the Marburg virus. However, medical professionals emphasize that oral or intravenous rehydration, along with treatment of individual symptoms, can significantly enhance the chances of survival for affected individuals.
In a proactive measure, Rwanda conducted tests last year on an experimental vaccine developed by the **US-based Sabin Vaccine Institute**, reflecting ongoing efforts to find effective solutions against this deadly pathogen.
As the situation develops, both local and international health authorities remain vigilant. The actions taken in the coming days will be critical in controlling the outbreak and safeguarding public health in the region.
