Ethiopia Reports Outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease Cases

On 26 January 2026, the Ethiopian Ministry of Health declared the end of its first-ever Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak, marking a significant milestone in the country’s public health history. The outbreak, which began in November 2025 in the South Ethiopia Region, underscores the challenges of managing rare but severe viral hemorrhagic fevers.

Marburg virus disease, caused by the Marburg virus (MARV) or Ravn virus (RAVV), is a rare but severe hemorrhagic fever with a case fatality rate (CFR) ranging from 24% to 8.8% in previous outbreaks. The 2026 Ethiopian outbreak, which occurred in the Jinka town and surrounding areas, saw 19 total cases reported as of 25 January 2026: 14 confirmed (including nine deaths) and five probable cases (all deaths). The outbreak was declared over after 42 days of no new confirmed cases, following WHO guidelines that require two consecutive incubation periods (21 days each) without new infections.

The virus is zoonotic, with Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus) serving as the primary natural reservoir. Human infections typically occur through direct contact with bat secretions or contaminated surfaces, though person-to-person transmission can occur via bodily fluids. The first known case was an adult in Jinka who developed symptoms on 23 October 2025, presenting with vomiting, loss of appetite, and abdominal cramps. By late December 2025, the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) confirmed the outbreak, with 3,800 samples tested for the virus.

Ethiopia’s response to the outbreak was characterized by rapid action, international collaboration, and adherence to WHO guidelines. Key measures included:

1. Contact Tracing and Surveillance: A total of 857 contacts were monitored for 21 days, with 760 from the South Ethiopia Region and 97 from the Sidama Region. This extensive surveillance helped identify and isolate cases early, preventing further spread.

2. Laboratory Capacity Strengthening: The EPHI, in collaboration with WHO and the Africa CDC, enhanced laboratory testing capabilities. A mobile laboratory was deployed to Jinka to expedite diagnostic confirmation, and over 3,800 samples were tested. The Africa CDC provided 2,000+ PCR kits, significantly bolstering Ethiopia‘s diagnostic infrastructure.

3. Safe Burial Practices: To prevent transmission through contaminated bodily fluids, all confirmed and probable cases were buried using safe and dignified procedures, in line with WHO recommendations. This measure is critical, as the virus can remain infectious in bodily fluids for days after death.

4. Designated Treatment Centers: Two hospitals were designated as treatment centers, with dedicated healthcare workers trained in managing MVD cases. These centers provided early supportive care, which is essential for improving survival rates, as no specific antiviral treatments or vaccines are currently available.

1. Community Engagement and Risk Communication: Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) teams disseminated prevention messages, conducted dialogues, and addressed misinformation. Social media monitoring was used to counter rumors and reduce stigma, ensuring communities remained informed and cooperative.

2. International Support: The WHO provided technical, operational, and financial support, including deploying experts to assist with surveillance, case management, and infection prevention. The U.S. CDC also contributed by sending eight public health responders and supporting Ethiopia’s health authorities through technical assistance.

Ethiopia’s outbreak is part of a broader pattern of Marburg virus outbreaks in sub-Saharan Africa. Previous outbreaks have been reported in countries such as Tanzania, Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda. The 2025 Tanzanian outbreak, which had a CFR of 50%, highlights the persistent threat of the virus in the region. Ethiopia’s experience underscores the importance of strengthening surveillance systems, improving laboratory capacity, and ensuring rapid response mechanisms to contain outbreaks before they escalate.

The lack of approved vaccines or treatments for MVD remains a critical challenge. While several candidate vaccines and therapeutics are under investigation, including those prioritized by the WHO Technical Advisory Group, none are yet available for widespread use. This gap emphasizes the need for continued research and development, as well as the importance of supportive care in managing cases.

Ethiopia’s successful containment of its first Marburg virus outbreak demonstrates the effectiveness of a coordinated, multi-sectoral response. The outbreak serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities associated with zoonotic diseases and the importance of global collaboration in addressing emerging health threats. As the WHO notes, the risk of re-emergence remains, particularly due to interactions with the animal reservoir. Continued investment in surveillance, research, and community engagement will be essential to mitigate future outbreaks and protect public health.