WHO confirms Ethiopia has ended Marburg outbreak, urging vigilance after containment milestone

The World Health Organization said Ethiopia has officially declared the end of its first-ever Marburg virus disease outbreak after meeting the required 42-day period with no new confirmed cases. The milestone follows weeks of heightened surveillance and a coordinated response aimed at preventing any further spread.

WHO said the outbreak was first confirmed on November 14, 2025, in Ethiopia’s South Ethiopia Region and was contained in less than three months through government-led actions supported by international partners. Response teams focused on quickly identifying suspected cases, monitoring contacts and improving diagnostic capacity so infections could be confirmed or ruled out faster.

Officials emphasized the importance of infection prevention and control in health facilities and of clear public communication. During outbreaks of viral hemorrhagic fevers, hospitals can face significant risk if protective protocols and training are not consistent, so the response typically prioritizes supplies, procedures and staff support.

WHO described its support as spanning leadership and coordination, surveillance, laboratory work, case management, logistics, and risk communication with communities. The goal was to stop transmission while maintaining essential health services and building longer-term readiness for future emergencies.

Marburg is linked to exposure to fruit bats and can spread through direct contact with bodily fluids or contaminated materials. The disease can be severe, and public health agencies stress rapid isolation of cases and careful tracking of contacts as core tools to keep outbreaks from accelerating.

Health officials noted that ending an outbreak does not end the need for vigilance. Countries often maintain strengthened surveillance and preparedness measures after the 42-day mark to ensure any new suspected cases are detected quickly and to reinforce systems that can respond to future threats.