Ethiopia Battles First-Ever Marburg Outbreak Amid Rising Global Viral Threats

Ethiopia is currently confronting its first-ever outbreak of the Marburg virus, a highly contagious and deadly disease, confirmed by the Ministry of Health on November 14, 2025. Health experts are urgently working to contain its spread, implementing intensive surveillance, isolation, and contact tracing measures, as reported by Gavi.org on November 20, 2025.

www.gavi.org reported, As of November 20, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) stated on November 22, 2025, that 33 laboratory tests have been conducted. These tests have identified six confirmed cases, tragically resulting in three fatalities, while three confirmed patients are currently undergoing treatment.

Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a severe viral hemorrhagic fever, closely related to Ebola, with case fatality rates in previous outbreaks ranging significantly from 24% to 88%, according to the WHO. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that the virus initially transmits from fruit bats to humans, subsequently spreading through human-to-human contact via bodily fluids.

www.gavi.org noted, To curb the outbreak, intensive surveillance, isolation protocols, and meticulous contact tracing are being rigorously implemented, Gavi.org noted. The WHO strongly advises the enforcement of robust infection prevention and control (IPC) measures to effectively prevent further transmission of the virus.

This emerging crisis highlights a troubling global trend of increasing viral events, which Gavi.org partly attributes to climate change and habitat destruction. Experts from Wellcome stated in May 2022 that unchecked global warming is expanding the geographical reach of many deadly diseases, posing significant health risks.

www.gavi.org reported, Initial investigations by Ethiopia's one health team have identified the presence of Rousettus fruit bats, the natural hosts of the Marburg virus, in the affected region, the WHO reported on November 22, 2025. Human infections often originate from prolonged exposure to these bat colonies, according to the WHO.

• Marburg virus disease was first recognized in 1967 following simultaneous outbreaks in Marburg and Frankfurt, Germany, and Belgrade, Serbia, linked to African green monkeys imported from Uganda, as detailed by the WHO. Since its initial discovery, outbreaks have predominantly occurred in sub-Saharan Africa, with notable events in Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo, GOV.UK noted.

• www.gavi.org noted, The onset of MVD is abrupt, characterized by symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, and general malaise, the CDC explained. As the disease progresses, patients may experience severe watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, and hemorrhagic manifestations, making early diagnosis challenging due to its clinical similarities with other infectious diseases like malaria or typhoid, according to the ECDC.

• Transmission of the Marburg virus occurs from infected fruit bats to humans, and subsequently spreads between people through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces, the Africa CDC stated. Prevention strategies emphasize avoiding contact with infected individuals, adhering to strict infection control practices, and ensuring safe burial procedures, as advised by Canada.ca.

• www.gavi.org reported, Currently, there are no approved vaccines or specific antiviral treatments available for Marburg virus disease, the WHO confirmed. Treatment primarily focuses on early supportive care, including aggressive rehydration and symptomatic management, which has been shown to significantly improve patient survival rates, according to the CDC.

• Climate change plays a substantial role in the increasing frequency of viral outbreaks by altering ecosystems and facilitating pathogen spread, as highlighted by PreventionWeb.net in 2017. Rising global temperatures and habitat destruction can force wildlife, including bat populations, into closer proximity with human settlements, thereby increasing the risk of zoonotic spillover events, Wellcome explained.

• www.gavi.org noted, The World Health Organization underscores the critical importance of community engagement and robust surveillance systems for effective outbreak control. Rapid isolation of confirmed cases, meticulous contact tracing, and widespread public awareness campaigns are essential strategies to interrupt human-to-human transmission and mitigate the spread of the virus, the ECDC reported.

• Before Ethiopia's current situation, other African nations have recently experienced Marburg outbreaks, including Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania in 2023, and Rwanda in 2024, the WHO reported in January 2025. These recurring events highlight the persistent threat posed by Marburg virus and the continuous need for vigilance and preparedness across the African continent.

• www.gavi.org reported, Marburg outbreaks can place immense strain on already fragile healthcare infrastructures, disrupt local economies, and generate widespread fear and anxiety within affected communities. The high case fatality rates and the necessity for stringent isolation measures can also lead to social stigma and significant socio-economic challenges for the regions impacted, as observed in previous outbreaks by various health organizations.