The Government of Ethiopia has officially declared an end to 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 reported.
The outbreak was first confirmed on 14 November 2025 in the South Ethiopia Region and was contained in less than three months through a swift, coordinated national response supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners.
Coordinated National and International Response
From the onset of the outbreak, Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health worked closely with the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) and WHO at both national and sub-national levels. WHO played a central role in coordinating response operations and providing sustained technical and operational support across all key response pillars.
These included leadership and coordination, disease surveillance, laboratory services, case management, infection prevention and control (IPC), logistics, and risk communication and community engagement.
Cases, Deaths and Affected Areas
A total of 14 confirmed cases were reported during the outbreak, including nine deaths and five recoveries. An additional 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. These areas triggered the rapid activation and scale-up of response measures.
Surveillance, Contact Tracing and Health Worker Infections
Active case detection, isolation and supportive care, comprehensive contact tracing, and strengthened IPC measures in health facilities were rapidly implemented.
In total, 857 contacts were identified and monitored for 21 days. Three health workers were infected during the outbreak; two died and one recovered, highlighting both the severity of Marburg virus disease and the occupational risks faced by frontline health workers.
WHO Emergency Support and Logistics
Within 24 hours of outbreak confirmation, WHO activated its emergency response mechanisms to support the government-led response. A total of 36 experts were deployed to affected areas, while an additional 28 staff were repurposed to strengthen field operations.
WHO also mobilized and delivered critical emergency supplies, including laboratory testing equipment, viral haemorrhagic fever response materials, treatment and isolation facility supplies, and vehicles to support field mobility. These efforts helped expand diagnostic capacity, improve patient care and ensure consistent application of standard MVD response protocols.
Preparedness and Health System Strengthening
Ethiopia’s rapid containment of the outbreak was enabled by prior investments in public health preparedness. These included strengthened laboratory capacity, improved disease surveillance systems, a trained surge workforce, and coordination through the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre.
These systems allowed for early detection, rapid scale-up of diagnostics, timely deployment of responders, and continuity of essential health services during the outbreak.
Recovery, Lessons Learned and Future Readiness
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 document lessons learned and further strengthen readiness for future outbreaks.
About Marburg Virus Disease
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 individuals or contaminated materials. Early supportive care significantly improves survival. While no licensed vaccines or specific treatments are currently available, several candidates are undergoing clinical trials.
