Ethiopia has confirmed three deaths caused by the Marburg virus in the country’s southern region, prompting an urgent public-health response and heightened vigilance in neighbouring nations.
Health Minister Mekdes Daba announced the fatalities on Monday, just days after authorities declared an official outbreak in the Omo region, which borders South Sudan.
According to state broadcaster EBC, laboratory tests verified three deaths linked to the highly lethal, Ebola-like virus. An additional three deaths showing similar symptoms are currently under investigation.
The rapid emergence of cases has triggered aggressive containment measures. Ethiopian health officials have identified and isolated 129 contacts of confirmed patients and are monitoring them for symptoms. In South Sudan, health authorities have issued advisories urging residents—especially those in border communities—to avoid contact with bodily fluids and report any suspected cases immediately.
Marburg virus typically begins with high fever, severe headaches, and muscle pain, later progressing to vomiting, diarrhoea, and, in severe instances, internal and external bleeding.
The outbreak was first detected last Wednesday in the Jinka area, after reports of a suspected haemorrhagic illness. Tests conducted on 17 people revealed at least nine infections before the initial deaths were confirmed.
Minister Daba said the government has launched a coordinated national response, activating emergency operation centres and deploying rapid response teams to contain the spread swiftly.
