Ethiopia has officially declared the end of its first-ever outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD), following the successful completion of enhanced surveillance and the mandatory 42-day follow-up period, with no new confirmed cases.
The announcement came after health authorities confirmed that no additional infections had been detected over two consecutive incubation cycles of the virus, marking a significant public health achievement for the country.
“Ethiopia has officially declared the end of its first-ever Marburg virus disease outbreak following enhanced surveillance with no new confirmed cases,” the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on X on Monday.
According to data released during the outbreak, 14 laboratory-confirmed cases of MVD were recorded, resulting in nine deaths and five recoveries.
In addition, five probable cases also resulted in death, according to the WHO.
The outbreak affected four districts across two regions: Jinka, Malle, and Arba Minch in the South Ethiopia Region, and Hawassa in the Sidama Region.
The confirmation of the outbreak triggered the immediate activation and scale-up of emergency response measures by Ethiopian health authorities, with strong technical and operational support from international partners.
Response efforts included active case detection, rapid isolation and supportive care of confirmed cases, extensive contact tracing, strengthened infection prevention and control in health facilities, and sustained engagement with affected communities.
In total, 857 contacts were identified and monitored daily for 21 days, helping to break transmission chains and prevent further spread of the virus.
Three health workers were infected during the outbreak. Two died, while one recovered.
The outbreak was first confirmed on November 14, 2025, in the South Ethiopia Region and was successfully contained in less than three months through a coordinated government-led response supported by the WHO.
Within 24 hours of the outbreak’s confirmation, WHO had activated its emergency response mechanisms, deployed 36 technical experts to affected areas, and repurposed an additional 28 staff members to reinforce field operations and coordination.
Ensuring the consistent application of standard Marburg virus disease response protocols was a central component of WHO’s support, alongside logistics, surveillance, risk communication, and capacity building for frontline health workers.
Reacting to the declaration, Ethiopia’s Minister of Health, Mekdes Daba, said,” The rapid containment of this outbreak reflects strong national leadership, effective coordination, and the dedication of frontline responders and communities.
“Sustaining preparedness remains essential to protect the population from future public health threats.”
MVD is a severe and often fatal illness caused by the Marburg virus, a close relative of the Ebola virus.
The disease is transmitted to humans from fruit bats and spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated materials, including medical equipment and bedding.
