Ethiopia declares end to the first-ever Marburg virus outbreak after swift response

ETHIOPIA—The Government of Ethiopia has officially declared the end of its first-ever outbreak of Marburg virus disease following 42 consecutive days without new confirmed cases.

The outbreak, which was first confirmed on November 14, 2025, in the South Ethiopia Region, has been successfully contained in less than three months through a coordinated response led by the government with support from the World Health Organization.

Collaborative response efforts

From the start, WHO collaborated closely with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute to support national and sub-national response operations.

WHO Ethiopia coordinated response activities and provided continuous technical and operational support across multiple areas, including leadership, surveillance, laboratory services, case management, infection prevention and control, logistics, and risk communication with communities.

Outbreak impact and geographic Spread

The outbreak resulted in 14 confirmed cases, with nine deaths and five recoveries recorded, with five probable cases ending in death.

Four districts across two regions were affected: Jinka, Malle, and Arba Minch in the South Ethiopia Region, and Hawassa in the Sidama Region.

These cases triggered immediate activation and expansion of response measures throughout the affected areas.

Response teams implemented active case detection, isolated patients and provided supportive care, conducted comprehensive contact tracing, strengthened infection prevention protocols in healthcare facilities, and engaged directly with affected communities.

Health authorities identified and monitored 857 contacts for 21 days to prevent further transmission.

Infections among healthcare workers

Three healthcare workers contracted the virus during the outbreak, with two losing their lives and one recovering.

These cases underscore both the severe nature of Marburg virus disease and the critical importance of maintaining strict infection prevention and control measures in healthcare settings.

Quick emergency deployment

WHO activated its emergency response mechanisms within 24 hours of the outbreak’s confirmation.

The organization deployed 36 experts to affected areas and reassigned 28 additional staff members to strengthen field operations during the same period.

These teams provided technical assistance in surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory diagnostics, case management, infection prevention, coordination, and logistics.

Critical supply mobilization

WHO mobilized and delivered essential emergency supplies to support the response effort.

These shipments included laboratory testing supplies and equipment, viral hemorrhagic fever response materials, resources for establishing and operating treatment and isolation facilities, and vehicles to enhance field mobility.

These contributions enabled rapid expansion of diagnostic capabilities, improved patient care, and supported effective outbreak control measures on the ground.

Leadership and preparedness

Honourable Dr. Mekdes Daba, Minister of Health, attributed the rapid containment to strong national leadership, effective coordination, and the dedication of frontline responders and communities.

He emphasized that sustaining preparedness remains essential to protect the population from future public health threats.

The successful response was built on Ethiopia’s prior investments in public health preparedness, including strengthened laboratory capacity, enhanced disease surveillance systems, a trained surge workforce, and coordination through the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre.

These capacities, developed through initiatives such as the Ethiopian Pandemic Multi-Sectoral Prevention, Preparedness and Response Project and the AVoHC-SURGE program, enabled early detection, rapid scale-up of diagnostics, swift deployment of responders, and continuity of essential health services.

Ongoing support and future preparedness

Dr. Francis Chisaka Kasolo, WHO Representative in Ethiopia, praised the timely measures taken by the Ministry of Health and the Government of Ethiopia.

He reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting national efforts to strengthen capacities to prevent, detect, and respond to future public health emergencies.

National authorities and partners have begun implementing follow-up programs to support Marburg survivors as part of recovery efforts and preparedness planning.

After-action reviews are underway to document lessons learned and further strengthen readiness for future outbreaks.

Dr. Senait Tekeste Fekadu, WHO Incident Manager for the Marburg virus disease response, emphasized that preparedness saved time, and time saved lives.

He noted that the quick resolution of this outbreak demonstrates a resilient health system strengthened through sustained capacity development, while highlighting the ongoing need for continued investment in readiness.

Understanding Marburg Virus Disease

Marburg virus disease is a severe and often fatal illness caused by the Marburg virus.

The virus transmits to humans from fruit bats and spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated materials.

Early supportive care significantly improves survival rates.

Although no licensed vaccines or therapeutics are currently available for Marburg virus disease, several candidate treatments are undergoing clinical trials.