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Friday, 21 November 2025
DISEASE OUTBREAK NEWS
Marburg virus disease – Ethiopia
[https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON585]
Situation at a glance
On 12 November 2025, WHO noted a press release from the Ethiopian Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), announcing suspected viral hemorrhagic viral fever (VHF) in Jinka town, South Ethiopia Regional State, Ethiopia. On 14 November 2025, the Ministry of Health of Ethiopia confirmed that the cases previously reported as suspected VHF were Marburg virus disease (MVD). Molecular testing conducted by the National Reference Laboratory at EPHI identified Marburg virus (MARV) in patient samples.
As of 20 November 2025, 33 laboratory tests have been conducted, of which six confirmed cases, including three deaths, have been reported. Of the six confirmed cases, three are currently alive and on treatment. In addition to the lab-confirmed cases, a further three epidemiologically linked cases could not be tested; all three are deceased and recorded as probable cases. A total of 206 contacts have been identified, and contacts are under active follow-up. The number of contacts will continue to change as the response evolves. The source of the infection has not yet been identified.
This marks the first confirmed outbreak of MVD in the country. Initial investigation by the One Health team in Ethiopia shows the presence of the natural host of the virus, fruit bats, in the area. MVD is a severe, often fatal illness, transmitted from bats to humans, and clinically similar to Ebola virus diseases. The disease has a case fatality ratio of up to 88%, but it can be much lower with good and early patient care.
Under the leadership of the MoH, WHO is working alongside the Ethiopian response teams to enhance coordination, surveillance (including outbreak investigation, contact tracing, and alert management), case management, infection prevention and control measures, laboratory capacity, risk communication and community engagement.
WHO assesses the public health risk posed by the outbreak as high at the national level, moderate at the regional level and low at the global level.
Ethiopia is facing concurrent emergencies and multiple disease outbreaks, including of cholera, measles, and dengue, which result in stretched health capacity.
The full text of the DON, including WHO risk assessment and advice: [https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON585]
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