The government of Ethiopia has officially announced the end of the first-ever outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) following the completion of the mandatory follow-up period, with no new confirmed cases reported for 42 consecutive days.
The outbreak, which was first confirmed on November 14, 2025 in the southern Ethiopia region, was brought under control in less than three months thanks to a rapid, coordinated response led by the government and supported by the World Health Organization (WHO).
From the start of the outbreak WHO worked closely with the Ministry of Health and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) to support efforts at national and sub-national levels.
WHO Ethiopia played a key role in coordinating response operations and providing sustained technical and operational support for all response pillars, including leadership and coordination, surveillance, laboratory, case management, infection prevention and control, logistics and risk communication, and community engagement.
A total of fourteen confirmed cases were reported during the outbreak, including nine deaths and five recoveries.
The outbreak affected four districts – Jinka, Malle and Arba Minch in the Southern Ethiopia region and Hawassa in the Sidama region – leading to the rapid activation and expansion of response measures.
These include active case detection, isolation and supportive care, comprehensive contact tracing, strengthened infection prevention and control in health facilities and engagement with affected communities.
A total of 857 contacts were identified and followed for 21 days. Three healthcare workers were infected during the outbreak; two died and one recovered, highlighting both the severity of Marburg virus disease and the importance of getting rid of it.
The Minister of Health, Dr. Mekdes Daba, said: “The rapid containment of this outbreak reflects strong national leadership, effective coordination and the commitment of frontline responders and communities. Maintaining preparedness remains essential to protect the population from future public health threats.”
In addition, the response was further supported by Ethiopia’s previous investments in public health preparedness, including strengthened laboratory capacity, disease surveillance systems, trained personnel, and coordination through the Public Health Emergency Operations Center.
They supported initiatives such as the Ethiopian Pandemic Multi-Sectoral Prevention, Preparedness and Response Project and the AVoHC-SURGE program, which enabled early detection, the scale-up of diagnostics, the deployment of responders and the continuity of essential healthcare services.
“WHO deeply appreciates the timely actions taken by the Ministry of Health and the Government of Ethiopia and remains committed to supporting national efforts to further strengthen capacities to prevent, detect and respond to future public health emergencies,” said Dr. Francis Chisaka Kasolo, WHO Representative in Ethiopia.
“Ethiopia’s response to the Marburg outbreak underlines the importance of continued preparedness and effective coordination,” he concluded.
