The Ethiopian Federal Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), has reported an outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) in Jinka, Ethiopia's southern region.
Marburg virus is a deadly illness characterised by acute hemorrhagic fever, exhibiting symptoms similar to those of other tropical diseases. It is transmitted through contact with infected individuals or animals such as Egyptian fruit bats, monkeys, gorillas, or chimpanzees.
The National Reference Laboratory confirmed the presence of the disease on November 14, 2025, and investigations have commenced since suspected cases were reported to the Africa CDC on November 12, 2025.
“Further epidemiological investigations and laboratory analyses are underway, and the virus strain detected shows similarities to those previously identified in East Africa,” reads part of the acknowledgement statement released by the Africa CDC.
Response strategies are already in place, including surveillance, field investigations, enhanced infection control measures, and community engagement efforts.
History of the virus
The virus was first detected in Marburg, Germany, where scientists contracted it while working with monkeys imported from Africa in 1967, leading to it becoming a global health concern.
On February 13, 2023, Equatorial Guinea announced its outbreak of the virus. By May 15, there were 16 confirmed cases, resulting in 12 deaths.
Although no connection was established, Tanzania also reported its first outbreak on March 21, 2023, in Kagera, where nine cases were recorded, leading to six deaths.
Additionally, on September 27, 2024, the Rwandan Ministry of Health reported an outbreak among healthcare workers in Kigali, with 66 cases and 15 deaths.
Some other countries, both in Africa and around the globe, have documented cases of the virus, including recent incidents in Tanzania that resulted in 10 deaths.
Is there a cure for it?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that there is currently no known cure or approved vaccine for Marburg virus disease (MVD); however, researchers are working on a vaccine and drug therapies.
Various preventive measures can be taken to limit its transmission, such as minimising exposure to mines or caves where bats reside, avoiding direct contact with infected individuals, educating communities about the virus, and ensuring safe burial practices for the deceased.
