Ethiopia declares end of its first Marburg virus outbreak after 42 days with no new cases
Ethiopia has declared its first Marburg virus outbreak over after completing the World Health Organization’s 42-day monitoring period with no new confirmed infections. The outbreak, first confirmed in November 2025 in the country’s south near the South Sudan border, led to 14 confirmed cases and nine deaths, with additional deaths classified as possible cases. Health officials and international partners say sustained surveillance and infection-control measures were key to bringing transmission to a halt.
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- Lagos Tribune News Desk
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Outbreak declared over
On Monday, January 26, 2026, Ethiopia announced the end of its first recorded Marburg virus outbreak, after completing the required 42-day period with no new confirmed cases. Public health officials described the declaration as a milestone for the country’s emergency response capabilities and for regional preparedness against viral hemorrhagic fevers.
Marburg is a severe disease that can spread through close contact with bodily fluids and contaminated materials. Containment relies heavily on rapid identification, isolation, contact tracing, and strict infection-prevention practices in clinics and communities—tools that were emphasized throughout Ethiopia’s response.
Case totals and health worker impact
Officials reported 14 confirmed cases during the outbreak, including nine deaths and five recoveries. Reports also noted additional deaths classified as possible Marburg cases. Among those infected were health workers, underscoring how quickly the disease can threaten frontline staff when exposure risks are high and protective measures are tested by limited resources.
The outbreak began in the south of the country and drew concern because cross-border movement and limited healthcare access can complicate response operations. Authorities expanded surveillance, strengthened laboratory capacity, and pushed risk communication efforts to curb rumor-driven behavior and encourage early reporting of symptoms.
What comes next
Even after declaring an outbreak over, health agencies typically maintain heightened readiness, including continued monitoring in affected districts, replenishment of protective equipment, and periodic training for rapid response teams. Public health experts also stress the importance of keeping communities engaged, since trust and timely cooperation are essential if new clusters appear.
- Ethiopia declared the outbreak ended on January 26, 2026 after 42 days without new confirmed cases.
- Authorities reported 14 confirmed cases, nine deaths, and five recoveries, with additional deaths considered possible cases.
- WHO support included technical help for surveillance, diagnostics, and infection control.