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.
