Ethiopia says first Marburg outbreak is over; officials warn vigilance still needed
Ethiopia has declared the end of its first outbreak of Marburg virus disease after a 42-day period with no new confirmed infections. Health authorities and WHO officials said quick surveillance and contact tracing contained the outbreak, while warning that preparedness and infection-control capacity must be sustained.
End of outbreak declared after 42 days
Ethiopia has declared its first-ever outbreak of Marburg virus disease over, after completing the required 42-day follow-up period without new confirmed cases. The announcement marks a key public-health milestone after months of emergency response and heightened surveillance.
The outbreak was confirmed on November 14, 2025, in the South Ethiopia Region and affected multiple districts. Officials said the response relied on rapid identification of suspected cases, isolation and supportive care, strengthened laboratory testing, and continuous community engagement to reduce transmission risk.
Numbers from the response and what they indicate
Health authorities reported 14 confirmed Marburg cases during the outbreak, including nine deaths and five recoveries. The outbreak also included probable cases among deaths that could not be fully confirmed by laboratory testing.
WHO said 857 contacts were identified and monitored, reflecting the scale of tracing required to interrupt spread. Infections among three health workers—two of whom died—highlighted the hazards faced by clinical staff and the importance of infection prevention and control in facilities that may see suspected cases.
Marburg risks and the continuing gap in medical countermeasures
Marburg is linked to fruit bats and can spread between people through direct contact with bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces. Symptoms can include fever and severe gastrointestinal illness, and in serious cases the disease can cause bleeding and shock.
Public-health officials noted that there is no widely licensed vaccine or specific approved treatment, making early detection and supportive medical care critical. Because of that, outbreak control depends heavily on surveillance capacity, safe clinical practices and rapid public communication to limit exposure.
Why health agencies emphasize preparedness even after an 'end' declaration
- Spillover events can recur in regions where the virus circulates in bats
- Undetected transmission is less likely but not impossible if surveillance weakens
- Hospitals need ongoing supplies and training to safely triage suspected hemorrhagic fevers
- Cross-border movement requires regional coordination and alert systems
WHO said it supported Ethiopia across response pillars including surveillance, laboratory work, case management, logistics and risk communication. Officials said the next phase focuses on maintaining surveillance, strengthening infection-control readiness, and applying lessons learned to future outbreaks.