Ethiopia declares end of first Marburg outbreak after 42 days with no new cases

Outbreak declared over after mandatory monitoring period

Ethiopia has officially declared the end of its first Marburg virus outbreak, concluding a 42-day follow-up period with no new confirmed infections. Health authorities said the milestone reflects the success of strengthened surveillance and control measures implemented after the virus was confirmed in the country’s south in November 2025.

The outbreak resulted in 14 confirmed cases, including nine deaths and five recoveries, with additional fatalities classified as possible cases. Authorities noted that health workers were among those infected, underscoring the risks faced by frontline staff and the importance of strict infection prevention practices in clinics and hospitals.

WHO-backed response focused on surveillance, labs, and infection control

The World Health Organization said it supported Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health across key response areas, including surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, case management, infection prevention and control, logistics, and community engagement. Officials described the response as coordinated across affected districts, with teams working to identify cases quickly, trace contacts, and isolate infections to prevent wider spread.

Marburg is a severe viral hemorrhagic fever linked to fruit bats and can spread between people through close contact with bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces. Symptoms can include fever, muscle pain, vomiting, and, in severe cases, fatal bleeding. Public health agencies continue to emphasize early detection, safe care practices, and rapid isolation to contain future flare-ups, as there is no widely approved vaccine or specific treatment.

1. Ethiopia completed a 42-day period with no new confirmed Marburg cases and declared the outbreak over.
2. Officials reported 14 confirmed cases with nine deaths and five recoveries, plus additional possible cases.
3. WHO provided technical and operational support spanning surveillance, lab testing, and infection control.