Ethiopia recently confirmed an outbreak of the Marburg virus. This pathogen has a history of high fatality rates and debilitating symptoms. The National Reference Laboratory was able to confirm an outbreak in the capital of the southern region in Jinka. This immediately galvanized the Ethiopian health authorities to act, containing the spread with decisive action.
The Marburg virus has mythologized its reputation by causing dramatic symptoms like bleeding, fever, vomiting and diarrhoea. During outbreaks, its fatality rate can be as high as 25% to 80%. Along with the Ebola virus, this makes it one of the deadliest known pathogens. The maximum incubation period for the virus is 21 days. Along this infection trajectory, symptomatic infected persons may be contagious for days before showing symptoms depending on the type of virus.
Ethiopia’s health authorities moved quickly to verify and contain the outbreak, preventing community spread. They have led public health response efforts aimed at reducing the further spread of the virus. In recent years, countries bordering Equatorial Guinea have experienced Marburg outbreaks. In December 2024, Rwanda was the epicenter of a major epidemic which led to 15 recorded deaths. Still, the country moved quickly and efficiently stamped out the outbreak. Just this past spring, Tanzania suffered an outbreak of Marburg that claimed the lives of 10 people. Fortunately, the outbreak was controlled and ended in March.
Currently, there is no approved vaccine or antiviral treatment available for the Marburg virus, which raises concerns among health officials regarding potential containment measures. Health authorities are rightly on high alert given the case fatality rate of past outbreaks in East Africa. Rather than waiting for more incidents to occur, they are leading the way in proactive prevention.
“Marburg virus disease (MVD) has been confirmed by the National Reference Laboratory (in Ethiopia),” – Africa CDC
As with any early-blooming outbreak, Ethiopian health officials are closely watching the outbreak in real time. They’re prepared to do more if it comes to that. The recent arrival of the Marburg virus to west Africa highlights the need for continued surveillance and preparedness in the ongoing fight against infectious diseases.