Ethiopia Confirms Three Deaths From Marburg Virus Amid Outbreak

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) — Ethiopia has confirmed three deaths linked to the Marburg hemorrhagic virus, with the cases reported in the Omo region, adjacent to South Sudan. Health Minister Mekdes Daba announced the fatalities on Monday, following an outbreak declaration on Friday.

The government tested 17 suspected cases and reported no active cases currently. Daba emphasized preventive measures are being implemented to curb further spread of the virus. To assist with control efforts, teams from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) have been dispatched.

South Sudan’s health ministry issued a public health advisory on Sunday, urging residents to wash their hands frequently and avoid contact with bodily fluids. Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya highlighted concerns over the outbreak due to South Sudan’s fragile health system.

The Marburg virus shares similarities with Ebola, as it originates in fruit bats and spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated surfaces, such as soiled bedsheets. Symptoms include fever, muscle pains, diarrhea, and vomiting. Without treatment, the virus can be fatal in up to 88% of cases.

Past outbreaks of the Marburg virus have occurred in countries including Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Equatorial Guinea, Angola, Congo, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, and Ghana, according to WHO reports. Ethiopian officials first detected the virus in the Jinka area, which prompted immediate investigation into 17 suspected cases.

Currently, 129 individuals who came into contact with confirmed cases have been isolated and are under close observation. The Ethiopian government has also activated emergency response centers and deployed rapid response teams to tackle the outbreak effectively.

Minister Daba urged anyone with symptoms to seek immediate medical attention. As part of public health awareness efforts, health authorities are distributing infographics detailing prevention measures in Amharic and have established a hotline for reporting suspected cases.

Marburg viruses are known for their high mortality rates, making rapid response critical for both public health and safety, especially in areas susceptible to such outbreaks.