2025 Ethiopian Marburg virus disease outbreak

Last updated
2025 Ethiopian Marburg virus disease outbreak
Location Ethiopia
First outbreak Jinka, South Ethiopia Regional State
Arrival date12 November 2025
Type
Viral hemorrhagic fever
Deaths
3 (as of 20 November)
Fatality rate88%

On 12 November 2025, the Ethiopian Ministry of Health and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) announced a viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF), latter revealed as Marburg virus disease originated from Jinka town in southern Ethiopia. The National Reference Laboratory identified the virus case in Ethiopia similar to outbreak in East Africa previously. [1] It was confirmed the virus has chance of killing of 88%.

Contents

Timeline of outbreak

On 12 November, WHO announced a press release from Ethiopian Ministry of Health (MoH), and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) concerning viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) in Jinka town, South Ethiopia Regional State. The killing probability of the virus is estimated to 88%. On 14 November, the Ministry of Health reported the incidence of VHF suspected as Marburg virus. As of 20 November 33 laboratory tests have been conducted with six confirmed cases, and reported three deaths. Aside from laboratory cases, three epidemiologically linked case could not be tested; as such three of whom died from this virus. [2] [3] An investigation conducted by the National Reference Laboratory showed the similarity of the virus outbreak to previously identified in the East Africa region. [1]

It was also reported that 206 contacts have been occurred that can be tracked. As the source of virus not identified, researches likely indicated it is caused by fruit bats in that vicinity. [2]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "Africa CDC Statement on Confirmed Marburg Virus Disease in Jinka, Southern Region, Ethiopia". Africa CDC. Retrieved 2025-11-22.
  2. 1 2 "Marburg virus disease- Ethiopia". www.who.int. Retrieved 2025-11-22.
  3. "Ethiopia battles first-ever Marburg outbreak". www.gavi.org. Retrieved 2025-11-22.