Yesterday in Addis Ababa, the Government of Ethiopia officially declared the end of its first-ever outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD). This declaration follows the completion of the mandatory 42-day follow-up period with no new confirmed cases reported. The declaration also followed enhanced surveillance and marked the successful containment of the outbreak in less than three months.
The outbreak was first confirmed on 14 November 2025 in Ethiopia’s South Ethiopia Region. It affected four districts across two regions. The Ethiopian government led a swift, coordinated response, with the World Health Organization (WHO) providing technical and operational support. This response was credited with stopping further transmission.
Outbreak Overview and Impact
According to national authorities, the outbreak resulted in 14 confirmed cases, including nine deaths and five recoveries. In addition, five probable deaths were reported. The outbreak affected Jinka, Malle, and Arba Minch districts in the South Ethiopia Region, as well as Hawassa in the Sidama Region.
Health workers were among those affected, with three infections recorded among frontline staff. Two of the infected health workers died. One recovered. This underscores both the severity of Marburg virus disease. It also highlights the occupational risks faced by healthcare providers during outbreaks.
In total, 857 contacts were identified and monitored for 21 days, a key measure for breaking transmission chains.
Rapid Response and WHO Support
WHO activated its emergency response mechanisms within 24 hours of confirmation of the outbreak. It worked closely with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI). WHO Ethiopia coordinated response operations and provided support across all major response pillars, including surveillance, laboratory services, and case management. Additionally, it supported infection prevention and control (IPC), logistics, and risk communication and community engagement.
WHO reinforced field operations by deploying 36 experts to affected areas. Additionally, they repurposed 28 staff to support the response. Also, emergency supplies were mobilized and delivered, including laboratory testing materials, viral haemorrhagic fever kits, treatment and isolation equipment, and vehicles to support field mobility.
These efforts enabled the rapid expansion of diagnostic capacity and strengthened patient care. Furthermore, they ensured consistent application of standard Marburg virus disease response protocols.
Preparedness and National Capacity
Ethiopia’s ability to contain the outbreak was also attributed to prior investments in public health preparedness. These investments include strengthened laboratory networks, disease surveillance systems, and trained surge personnel. There was also 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 programme supported these capacities. They facilitated early detection and rapid deployment of responders. They also ensured the continuity of essential health services.
“The rapid containment of this outbreak reflects strong national leadership, effective coordination, and the dedication of frontline responders and communities,”
Dr Mekdes Daba, Ethiopia’s Minister of Health.
She emphasized that sustaining preparedness remains essential to protect populations from future public health threats.
Recovery, Lessons Learned, and Ongoing Risks
National authorities and partners are now implementing follow-up programmes to support Marburg survivors as part of recovery and preparedness planning. After-action reviews are also underway to capture lessons learned and further strengthen readiness for future outbreaks.
WHO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s health security efforts.
“Ethiopia’s response to the Marburg outbreak underscores the importance of sustained preparedness and effective coordination,”
Dr Francis Chisaka Kasolo, WHO Representative in Ethiopia.
Marburg virus disease is a severe and often fatal viral haemorrhagic fever. It is transmitted to humans from fruit bats. The disease spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated materials. Currently, no licensed vaccines or therapeutics are available. However, early supportive care significantly improves survival. Additionally, several vaccine and treatment candidates are under clinical development.
Reflecting on the response, Dr Senait Tekeste Fekadu, WHO Incident Manager for the outbreak, noted:
“Preparedness saved time, and time saved lives. Ending this outbreak so quickly reflects a resilient health system strengthened through sustained capacity development.”
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