Addis Ababa—The Government of Ethiopia has officially declared the end of its first-ever outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) after completing enhanced surveillance and the mandatory 42-day follow-up period, with no new confirmed cases reported. The outbreak, which began on 14 November 2025 in the South Ethiopia Region, was contained in less than three months through a swift and coordinated response led by national authorities with support from the World Health Organization (WHO).
From the onset, WHO worked closely with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute to support national and regional response efforts. WHO played a key role in coordinating operations and providing technical support across leadership, surveillance, laboratory testing, case management, infection prevention and control, logistics, and community engagement.
During the outbreak, 14 confirmed cases were reported, resulting in nine deaths and five recoveries, while five additional probable deaths were recorded. The outbreak affected four districts—Jinka, Malle, Arba Minch, and Hawassa—prompting rapid implementation of control measures including active case detection, isolation, contact tracing, enhanced infection prevention in health facilities, and community engagement. A total of 857 contacts were monitored for 21 days. Three health workers were infected, two of whom died, highlighting the severity of the disease and the importance of strict infection control.
WHO activated its emergency response mechanisms within 24 hours of outbreak confirmation, deploying 36 experts and redeploying 28 additional staff to support field operations. The organization also provided emergency supplies including laboratory equipment, viral haemorrhagic fever kits, and materials for treatment and isolation facilities, which enabled rapid diagnostics, strengthened patient care, and enhanced outbreak control. Standardized Marburg virus response protocols were applied consistently throughout the response.
Ethiopia’s rapid containment was supported by prior investments in public health preparedness, including robust laboratory capacity, disease surveillance systems, trained surge staff, and coordination through the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre. Initiatives such as the Ethiopian Pandemic Multi-Sectoral Prevention, Preparedness and Response Project and the AVoHC-SURGE program facilitated early detection, rapid scale-up of diagnostics, deployment of responders, and continuity of essential health services.
The Ministry of Health and WHO emphasized that sustained preparedness and effective coordination were critical to controlling the outbreak. Follow-up programs are being implemented to support survivors, and after-action reviews are underway to capture lessons learned and strengthen readiness for future outbreaks.
Marburg virus disease is a severe, often fatal illness transmitted from fruit bats to humans and through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated materials. While no licensed vaccines or therapeutics currently exist, supportive care improves survival, and several vaccine candidates are under clinical trials.
