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.
The World Health Organisation (WHO), in a statement on Monday, said the outbreak—first confirmed on November 14, 2025, in the South Ethiopia Region—was contained in less than three months through a swift, coordinated response led by the government and supported by WHO.
From the onset, WHO worked closely with the Ministry of Health and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) to support response efforts at national and sub-national levels.
WHO Ethiopia coordinated response operations and provided sustained technical and operational support across all response pillars, including leadership and coordination, surveillance, laboratory services, case management, infection prevention and control, logistics, risk communication, and community engagement.
A total of 14 confirmed cases were recorded during the outbreak, including nine deaths and five recoveries. In addition, five deaths were classified as probable cases.
The outbreak affected four districts—Jinka, Malle, and Arba Minch in the South Ethiopia Region, and Hawassa in the Sidama Region—prompting the rapid activation and scale-up of response measures.
These included active case detection, isolation and supportive care, comprehensive contact tracing, strengthened infection prevention and control in health facilities, and engagement with affected communities.
In all, 857 contacts were identified and monitored for 21 days.
Three health workers were infected during the outbreak; two died and one recovered, underscoring both the severity of Marburg virus disease and the critical importance of infection prevention and control measures.
WHO activated its emergency response mechanisms within 24 hours of outbreak confirmation and deployed 36 experts to the affected areas, while repurposing an additional 28 staff to reinforce field operations.
The teams provided technical assistance in surveillance and contact tracing, laboratory diagnostics, case management, infection prevention and control, coordination, and logistics.
WHO also mobilised and delivered critical emergency supplies, including laboratory testing equipment, viral haemorrhagic fever supplies, materials for the establishment and operation of treatment and isolation facilities, and vehicles to support field mobility.
These interventions enabled the rapid expansion of diagnostic capacity, strengthened patient care, and supported effective outbreak control at the frontline. Ensuring consistent application of standard MVD response protocols was a core component of WHO’s support.
“The rapid containment of this outbreak reflects strong national leadership, effective coordination, and the dedication of frontline responders and communities,” Ethiopia’s Minister of Health, Dr Mekdes Daba, said.
“Sustaining preparedness remains essential to protect the population from future public health threats.”
The response was further enabled by Ethiopia’s prior investments in public health preparedness, including strengthened laboratory capacity, disease surveillance systems, a trained surge workforce, and coordination through the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre.
These capacities—supported through initiatives such as the Ethiopian Pandemic Multi-Sectoral Prevention, Preparedness and Response Project and the AVoHC-SURGE programme—facilitated early detection, rapid scale-up of diagnostics, deployment of responders, and continuity of essential health services.
“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,” said Dr Francis Chisaka Kasolo, WHO Representative in Ethiopia.
“Ethiopia’s response to the Marburg outbreak underscores the importance of sustained preparedness and effective coordination.”
National authorities and partners are implementing follow-up programmes to support survivors as part of recovery efforts and preparedness planning. After-action reviews are also underway to capture lessons learned and strengthen readiness for future outbreaks.
“Preparedness saved time, and time saved lives,” said Dr Senait Tekeste Fekadu, WHO Incident Manager for the MVD response.
“Ending this outbreak so quickly reflects a resilient health system strengthened through sustained capacity development, while reinforcing the need to continue investing in readiness.”
Marburg virus disease is a severe and often fatal illness caused by the Marburg virus. It is transmitted to humans from fruit bats and spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected persons or contaminated materials.
Early supportive care improves survival.
While no licensed vaccines or therapeutics are currently available, several candidates are undergoing clinical trials.
