Ethiopia Marburg virus outbreak update

The Ministry of Health announced that no new cases of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) have been detected in Ethiopia over the past 21 days, signaling progress in containing the outbreak, though authorities warned that the outbreak will only be officially declared over after 42 consecutive days without new infections.

In a statement released on 5 January 2026, the Ministry said that since the outbreak was confirmed in the South Ethiopia Region on 14 November 2025, laboratory tests have been conducted for 3,800 people. Among these, 14 tested positive for the virus, resulting in nine deaths and five recoveries, according to the Ethiopian Public Health Institute.

Health Minister Dr. Mekdes Daba highlighted the rapid and coordinated response that helped contain the outbreak, including mobile and permanent laboratory testing, the establishment of isolation and treatment centers, and the importation of essential medicines and vaccines.

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The Ministry also noted that public awareness campaigns reached over 20 million households by integrating information on Marburg virus prevention with the national polio campaign. In addition, 4.8 million travelers were screened at entry and exit points, and measures were taken to ensure safe celebrations during public holidays.

Close monitoring was conducted for 296 individuals who had contact with the last confirmed patients; all completed follow-up protocols and returned home. Currently, there are no individuals under surveillance for potential exposure.

Following World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, an outbreak is declared officially over only after 42 days without new cases. While Ethiopia has completed the first 21-day period without new infections, the Ministry stressed the importance of continuing precautionary measures during the remaining period.

Key focus areas for the next 21 days include maintaining intensive surveillance in communities and health facilities, promptly identifying and treating suspected cases, and strengthening community engagement to counter misinformation and rumors.

The Ministry urged the public to remain vigilant, monitor and report symptoms, and limit contact with anyone showing signs of illness, emphasizing that community cooperation is essential to fully control the outbreak.