Addis ababa: Ethiopia has officially declared the end of its first Marburg virus outbreak, with the World Health Organization (WHO) confirming that no new cases have been reported for 42 consecutive days. This marks a rapid containment of the virus within less than three months.

According to Anadolu Agency, the outbreak was initially confirmed on November 14, 2025, in the South Ethiopia Region. It resulted in 14 confirmed Marburg cases, including nine fatalities and five recoveries, as well as five probable deaths. The WHO collaborated with the Ethiopian Health Ministry and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute to coordinate a response across four districts: Jinka, Malle, and Arba Minch in the South Ethiopia Region, and Hawassa in the Sidama Region.

Within 24 hours of the outbreak's confirmation, the WHO deployed 36 experts and reassigned 28 staff members to support the government-led response in the affected areas. During the outbreak, 857 contacts were monitored over a period of 21 days, although three health workers were infected, two of whom succumbed to the virus.

The WHO noted that Ethiopia's response was strengthened by prior investments in public health preparedness, including improved laboratory capabilities, surveillance systems, a trained workforce, and coordination through the Public Health Emergency Operations Center.

Marburg is a rare yet lethal virus similar to Ebola, causing symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and bleeding. Currently, there is no licensed vaccine or specific treatment available. The virus appeared in Ethiopia following outbreaks in other African nations, including Angola, Guinea, Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania.