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Ethiopia Reports New Cases of a Highly Fatal Haemorrhagic Illness
Ethiopia has verified an outbreak of the lethal Marburg virus in the southern region of the country, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). The confirmation followed growing concerns about a haemorrhagic illness resembling Ebola, which prompted immediate regional and international attention. The Marburg virus is recognized as one of the most dangerous pathogens known to medicine, causing severe internal bleeding along with symptoms such as high fever, vomiting and diarrhoea. The illness carries a 21-day incubation period and, similar to Ebola, is spread through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals. Africa CDC noted that the fatality rate historically ranges from 25% to as high as 80%, underscoring the gravity of the health threat confronting the region.
Health Officials Confirm Cases and Launch Rapid Investigations
The director-general of the World Health Organization, Ethiopia’s Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, announced on Friday that at least nine cases had been identified in southern Ethiopia. His comments came two days after Africa CDC began investigating reports of a suspected haemorrhagic virus circulating in the area. Africa CDC stated on Saturday, “Marburg virus disease (MVD) has been confirmed by the National Reference Laboratory (in Ethiopia).” The agency added that comprehensive epidemiological investigations and laboratory testing remain underway. Early assessments suggest that the detected strain shares similarities with variants previously recorded in east Africa, offering important context for scientists monitoring the outbreak. Ethiopian health authorities were said to have responded quickly in the Jinka area, taking steps to confirm the disease and begin containment measures designed to limit the spread of infection.
Regional Context and Prior Outbreaks in East Africa
Africa CDC affirmed its commitment to working closely with Ethiopia to ensure the outbreak is effectively controlled and prevent further spread into other nations in east Africa. The region has experienced multiple Marburg incidents in recent years. An outbreak in Tanzania early last year resulted in 10 fatalities between January and March before the epidemic was declared over. Rwanda likewise reported its first known Marburg epidemic in December 2024, where 15 deaths were recorded before health authorities succeeded in interrupting transmission. These recent events highlight the continued vulnerability of east African countries to fast-moving haemorrhagic viruses and the importance of swift public health responses.
Treatment Challenges and Experimental Vaccine Efforts
There are currently no approved antiviral treatments or vaccines against the Marburg virus, making supportive care crucial in improving outcomes for infected individuals. Health experts emphasize that oral or intravenous rehydration along with treatment targeting specific symptoms can increase the likelihood of survival. Research efforts continue, and last year Rwanda conducted a trial of an experimental vaccine developed by the Sabin Vaccine Institute, based in the United States. While no licensed vaccine exists yet, such trials represent ongoing attempts to develop future tools to reduce mortality during outbreaks.
Ethiopia Confirms Outbreak of Deadly Marburg Virus
The confirmation of Marburg virus cases in southern Ethiopia marks another significant health challenge for the region, prompting rapid investigations and containment efforts from both national health authorities and Africa CDC. With no approved treatment or vaccine, the emphasis remains on swift action, symptom management and prevention measures to reduce further spread while researchers continue advancing experimental vaccine options.
