What's Happening?
The Ministry of Health of Ethiopia has declared the end of the Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak, following two consecutive incubation periods without new cases. The outbreak, which began in November 2025, resulted in 19 cases, including 14 confirmed
and five probable cases, with a total of nine deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) provided support to Ethiopia in containing the outbreak, which was the first of its kind in the country. The virus, transmitted from fruit bats to humans, has a high fatality rate but can be managed with early supportive care.
Why It's Important?
The successful containment of the Marburg virus outbreak in Ethiopia demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated public health responses and international support in managing infectious disease outbreaks. The declaration marks a significant achievement for Ethiopia's health authorities and highlights the importance of surveillance, rapid response, and community engagement in controlling viral hemorrhagic fevers. The experience gained from this outbreak can inform future strategies for dealing with similar public health threats, emphasizing the need for preparedness and capacity building in affected regions.
What's Next?
While the outbreak has been declared over, there remains a risk of re-emergence due to potential spillovers from animal reservoirs. Continued vigilance and monitoring are essential to prevent future outbreaks. WHO advises maintaining early detection and care capacities and raising awareness of risk factors to reduce transmission. Efforts to integrate the MVD response into essential health services and support for survivors will be crucial in ensuring long-term public health resilience.
