Ethiopian authorities have officially declared an outbreak of the Marburg virus in the southern region of the country. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) confirmed that it received notification from Ethiopia regarding the escalation of the viral outbreak to epidemic status.
According to reports, the initial alert of a suspected viral hemorrhagic fever case was received on November 12th. Subsequent confirmation from the Ethiopian Federal Ministry of Health and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute on Friday confirmed the Marburg virus outbreak in Jinka, southern Ethiopia.
The Ethiopian Ministry of Health stated via social media that the circulating virus strain is similar to those responsible for previous outbreaks in other East African nations. Preventative measures are reportedly being implemented in collaboration with various health organizations, including coordinated screening activities.
World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted the detection of at least nine confirmed cases of the Marburg virus in southern Ethiopia. The WHO, in an official statement, affirmed its active support for Ethiopia’s efforts to contain the outbreak, treat infected individuals, and prevent further spread beyond its borders.
Marburg virus is a highly infectious virus that causes severe hemorrhagic fever. It is transmitted to humans by fruit bats and belongs to the same family as the Ebola virus. The fatality rate associated with Marburg can reach as high as 90 percent.
Currently, there is no specific vaccine or antiviral treatment for the Marburg virus. Supportive care, including oral or intravenous rehydration and treatment of specific symptoms, remains crucial in improving patient survival rates. The situation is being closely monitored by international health organizations, and further updates will be provided as they become available.
DZWatch will continue to provide updates on this developing situation.
