Ethiopia has officially declared the end of its first-ever outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) after completing 42 consecutive days without any new confirmed cases, health authorities announced on Monday.
The outbreak was first confirmed on 14 November 2025 in the South Ethiopia Region and was brought under control in less than three months through an intensive, coordinated public health response led by the Ethiopian government, with technical and operational support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners.
According to official data, the outbreak recorded 14 confirmed cases, including nine deaths and five recoveries, underscoring the severity of the virus, which belongs to the same family as Ebola. The affected areas included Jinka, Malle, and Arba Minch districts in the South Ethiopia Region, as well as Hawassa in the Sidama Region.
Health authorities implemented rapid containment measures, including case isolation, contact tracing, community engagement, and strengthened surveillance. In total, 857 contacts were identified and closely monitored for symptoms during the response period.
The Ministry of Health said the declaration followed the successful completion of enhanced surveillance and mandatory follow-up in line with international public health protocols. WHO-AFRO, in a statement dated 26 January 2026, commended Ethiopia’s swift action, noting that early detection and coordinated response were critical in halting the spread of the virus.
Marburg Virus Disease is a highly infectious illness transmitted to humans through fruit bats and spread among people via direct contact with bodily fluids. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in severe cases, hemorrhaging.
While celebrating the milestone, health authorities urged continued vigilance, stressing the importance of sustained surveillance, community awareness, and preparedness to prevent future outbreaks.
source : AllAfrica
