Ethiopia declares end to first Marburg outbreak after 42 days with no new cases
Ethiopia announced it has ended its first-ever Marburg virus outbreak after completing the 42-day monitoring period without new confirmed cases. Health authorities and the WHO cited intensified surveillance, contact tracing, and infection-control steps as key to stopping transmission.
Outbreak declared over after required monitoring period
Ethiopia has officially declared the end of its first outbreak of Marburg virus disease, saying that no new confirmed infections were detected during the mandatory 42-day follow-up period used to verify that transmission has stopped. The outbreak was first confirmed in mid-November 2025 in the country’s south, near the border region, and public health authorities said the response was intensified as additional districts were affected.
Health officials credited stronger surveillance, rapid isolation of suspected cases, and strict infection-prevention practices in health facilities for helping cut off chains of transmission. International partners supported Ethiopia’s response, including technical assistance on laboratory diagnostics, case management, logistics, and public communication.
Case totals and health worker infections
Authorities reported 14 confirmed cases during the outbreak, including nine deaths and five recoveries. Additional deaths were classified as probable or possible cases. Officials also noted infections among health workers, underscoring the risks posed to frontline staff in outbreaks of viral hemorrhagic fevers and the importance of protective equipment and training.
The World Health Organization said contact tracing and follow-up were central to the containment effort. Monitoring thousands of contacts and rapidly investigating symptoms helped responders find potential cases early and prevent wider spread.
What Marburg is and how it spreads
Marburg is a severe viral hemorrhagic fever linked to exposure to fruit bats and can spread between people through close contact with bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces. Symptoms can include fever, muscle pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, and severe cases may lead to bleeding and shock.
There is no widely licensed vaccine or specific approved treatment, so public health responses rely heavily on rapid detection, isolation, supportive care, protective measures for health workers, and community engagement. Ethiopia’s declaration marks an important milestone, though officials emphasized ongoing readiness and surveillance to quickly detect any future cases.