Ethiopia Reports First Outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease

Ethiopia has officially confirmed its first outbreak of Marburg virus disease, following the identification of nine cases in the southern region of the country. The outbreak has sparked immediate concern among health officials and has drawn attention from global health organisations.

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised the Ethiopian Health Ministry for its rapid and transparent handling of the outbreak. In a statement on social media, Tedros remarked, "This fast action demonstrates the seriousness of the country’s commitment to bringing the outbreak under control quickly."

The confirmation of the outbreak came shortly after the WHO indicated that Ethiopian health authorities were investigating suspected cases of viral hemorrhagic fever. Marburg virus is part of the Filoviridae family, which includes the Ebola virus, and is known to cause severe illness.

According to the United States-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Marburg virus disease is described as a "rare but severe" form of hemorrhagic fever, with a high fatality rate. The virus is believed to originate from Egyptian fruit bats and can be transmitted between humans through direct contact with bodily fluids from an infected person or contaminated objects, such as clothing or bedding.

Symptoms of Marburg virus disease include fever, rash, and severe bleeding, with no specific treatment or vaccine currently available. The CDC notes that care is limited to supportive measures, including hydration and rest.

The outbreak has been reported in the Omo region of Ethiopia, which shares a border with South Sudan. The proximity of South Sudan, which has a fragile health infrastructure, raises additional concerns. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa CDC, highlighted the potential risks, stating, "South Sudan isn’t far and has a fragile health system."

In response to the outbreak, the WHO has committed to providing active support to Ethiopia. Tedros stated that the agency is working to assist in containing the outbreak and ensuring proper treatment for those affected. Efforts are underway to prevent any potential cross-border transmission of the virus.

The Ethiopian Ministry of Health has initiated community-wide screenings and awareness campaigns to inform the public about the situation. They have isolated infected individuals for treatment and are working diligently to trace anyone who may have had contact with the suspected cases.

In a statement shared on social media, the Ministry urged the public to remain calm, adhere to health authority guidance, and seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms associated with the disease. As of now, no other African nations have reported cases of Marburg virus in recent weeks, but the situation remains closely monitored by health officials worldwide.