Ethiopia has officially announced the end of its first recorded outbreak of Marburg virus disease after health authorities completed an extended period of surveillance with no new confirmed infections. The closure marks the end of an emergency that began in November 2025 and lasted less than three months.
The declaration followed 42 consecutive days without a new case, the internationally recognised period required to confirm that transmission chains have been interrupted.
The outbreak was initially confirmed on 14 November 2025, when laboratory testing identified Marburg virus disease in patients from the South Ethiopia Region. This prompted the government to activate national emergency response systems and deploy rapid response teams to affected areas.
Surveillance, case investigation, and contact tracing were immediately scaled up as health authorities worked to prevent further spread of the virus across communities.
According to figures released by health officials and the World Health Organisation, Ethiopia recorded 14 confirmed cases during the outbreak, resulting in nine deaths and five recoveries. In addition, several probable deaths were identified through epidemiological links to known infections.
Cases were reported in several locations, including Jinka, Malle, Arba Minch, and Hawassa in the Sidama Region, which became focal points for intensified monitoring and response activities.
As part of containment efforts, authorities identified and monitored 857 people who had contact with confirmed patients.
Daily follow-ups were conducted to detect symptoms early and ensure rapid isolation of suspected cases.
These measures aimed to break transmission chains and reduce the risk of community spread in areas with limited health infrastructure.
Healthcare workers were among those affected, highlighting the occupational risks associated with viral hemorrhagic fevers. Three health workers contracted Marburg virus disease while providing care, two of whom died, while one recovered.
Infection prevention and control measures were reinforced in health facilities, including the use of protective equipment and the isolation of suspected patients.
The national response was led by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health in coordination with the Ethiopian Public Health Institute, with technical and operational support provided by the World Health Organisation.
WHO assisted with surveillance strengthening, laboratory testing, case management guidance, logistics, and risk communication, while deploying experts to assist local response teams in affected regions.
Announcing the end of the outbreak, the World Health Organisation stated on X, “Ethiopia has officially declared the end of its first-ever Marburg virus disease outbreak following enhanced surveillance with no new confirmed cases.”
The statement confirmed that the country had met the criteria required to declare the outbreak over after sustained monitoring. WHO officials also acknowledged the role of national leadership in containing the outbreak within a limited timeframe.
In a statement, WHO Representative to Ethiopia Francis Chisaka Kasolo said, “WHO highly values the timely measures taken by the Ministry of Health and the Government of Ethiopia and remains committed to supporting national efforts to further strengthen capacities to prevent, detect and respond to future public health emergencies.”
Marburg virus disease is a severe illness caused by a virus from the same family as Ebola. It is transmitted to humans through contact with infected fruit bats or the bodily fluids of infected individuals. There is no approved vaccine or specific treatment, and patient care relies on supportive treatment and strict infection prevention practices.
Following the end of the outbreak, Ethiopian authorities and partners continue follow-up activities, including survivor support, community engagement, and reviews of the response to strengthen preparedness for future public health threats.
Officials say lessons learned from the outbreak will inform improvements in surveillance, rapid response, and coordination mechanisms across the country.