🔔 Health Alert: Viral Haemorrhagic Fever (Marburg) in Southern Ethiopia

Health authorities and the WHO have confirmed cases of Marburg virus disease in the Southern Region of Ethiopia. Teams are already on the ground supporting treatment, contact tracing, and prevention.

🩺 What to Know

Marburg virus is a highly infectious pathogen that causes Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) — a severe form of viral haemorrhagic fever, similar to Ebola. It belongs to the filovirus family.

🧬 How It Spreads:

Spread happens through direct contact with bodily fluids of an infected person.

■ Contact with contaminated surfaces or objects

■ Prolonged exposure to caves or mines inhabited by Rousettus fruit bats (natural reservoir)

■ Funeral practices involving direct body contact

"It does not spread through the air like the flu".

🩺 Symptoms (Usually Start 2–21 Days After Exposure)

Early symptoms:

■ Sudden high fever,

■ severe headache,

■ muscle aches.

Progressive symptoms:

■ Vomiting

■ Diarrhea

■ Abdominal pain

■ Bleeding (nose, gums, vomit, stool)

■ Shock and organ failure

No specific treatment — early supportive medical care saves lives.

• No vaccine — early supportive care is essential

Recommended Community Actions:

• Promote hygiene and safe care practices

• Encourage early reporting of symptoms

• Follow guidance from official health authorities

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) was notified on 12 November 2025 of eight suspected cases of viral haemorrhagic fever (VHF) in the town of Jinka in the Southern Region of Ethiopia.

The World Health Organization (WHO) deployed a team of 11 multidisciplinary technical officers to help with surveillance, investigation, laboratory testing, infection-prevention & control, clinical care and community engagement.

WHO released USD 300,000 from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies to support immediate response.

According to multiple recent reports, Ethiopia has now confirmed its first ever outbreak of Marburg virus disease (a known viral haemorrhagic fever) with nine confirmed cases in the southern region bordering South Sudan.

Surveillance & Prevention Strategies for Somalia

Because Somalia borders Ethiopia and has high population mobility, early detection and rapid response are essential.

Sharing reliable information helps protect our communities.

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