Daijiworld Media Network – Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa, Nov 28: The death toll from Ethiopia’s Marburg virus outbreak has risen to six, the state-run Ethiopian Press Agency confirmed on Wednesday. The country first reported the epidemic on November 14, with three deaths recorded shortly after. According to the health ministry, 11 infections have been detected so far, with five patients currently undergoing treatment.
Health officials said 349 individuals who were suspected to have come in contact with confirmed patients were placed under observation. Of these, 119 have completed their monitoring period and been released.
The Marburg virus, a highly infectious pathogen from the same family as Ebola, causes severe headaches, diarrhoea and internal bleeding. Fatality rates in past African outbreaks have reached 80%, with deaths typically occurring within a week of symptom onset.
Earlier this year, Tanzania reported ten deaths in a Marburg outbreak that was declared over in March. Rwanda also contained its first outbreak in December 2024, which claimed 15 lives. The country has tested an experimental vaccine developed by the US-based Sabin Vaccine Institute.
Marburg spreads through direct contact with blood, bodily fluids or tissues of infected individuals or animals such as bats and monkeys. Transmission can also occur in healthcare settings if protective protocols are not strictly followed.
Health experts urge early recognition of symptoms, which typically appear 2 to 21 days after exposure.
Common indicators include:
• sudden fever with chills,
• severe headache and muscle pain,
• extreme weakness,
• nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea,
• unexplained bleeding from gums, nose or in urine and stool.
The WHO has reiterated that there is no approved vaccine or antiviral for Marburg virus yet. Early supportive care—hydration, symptom management and timely intervention—remains crucial for improving survival chances.
Authorities continue to monitor high-risk contacts as Ethiopia works to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.