Suspected viral haemorrhagic fever cases have emerged in the South Ethiopia Region, with eight potential infections reported so far. Laboratory testing is underway to determine the exact cause of the outbreak, and health workers are among those infected, according to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Viral haemorrhagic fevers are severe, epidemic-prone diseases caused by various virus families, including those responsible for Marburg, Ebola, Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever and Lassa fever. Symptoms usually begin suddenly, with muscle and joint pain, fever and, in severe cases, internal and external bleeding that can lead to shock. Transmission varies by disease but may occur through contact with infected patients, exposure to rodents, or unsafe slaughtering practices.
To support Ethiopia’s response, WHO has deployed a team of experts to the affected towns and provided medicines, protective equipment and other essential supplies. The 11 technical officers on the ground are assisting with surveillance, investigation, testing and infection prevention measures. The agency has also supplied a rapidly deployable isolation tent to strengthen clinical care capacity.
In addition, WHO has released $300,000 from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies to support national efforts. The organization’s offices in Ethiopia and South Sudan are working closely to prevent cross-border transmission, and WHO stands ready to scale up its response if needed.
