Emergence of Marburg virus disease in Ethiopia: Implications for public health preparedness and its impact on Ethiopia's health system.

BACKGROUND

Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a rare but highly lethal viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) caused by Marburg virus (MARV) and Ravn virus (RAVV). While MVD has historically been limited to specific areas of sub-Saharan Africa, recent outbreaks in previously unaffected countries indicate an expanding ecological and epidemiological risk. In November 2025, Ethiopia confirmed its first-ever MVD outbreak, constituting a significant national and regional public health emergency.

METHODS

This narrative review synthesizes publicly available epidemiological data, government situation reports, and official communications from the Ethiopian Ministry of Health (MoH), Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO).

RESULTS

The outbreak was initially detected in Jinka town, South Ethiopia Region, an area bordering Kenya and South Sudan. As of 25 January 2026, more than 3,800 diagnostic tests were conducted, leading to a total of 19 cases comprising 14 confirmed (including nine deaths) and five probable (all deaths) and five recoveries from MVD in the country's South Ethiopia and Sidama regions, which were reported. A total of 857 contacts listed for monitoring all had completed their 21-day follow-up as of 25 January 2026. Ethiopia's response included rapid notification, laboratory confirmation, activation of incident management systems, deployment of mobile high-biosafety laboratories, establishment of isolation and treatment centers, and issuance of national clinical management guidelines. International partners provided technical, financial, and logistical support. However, the outbreak exposed ongoing challenges, including health system fragility, workforce shortages, misinformation, funding limitations, and heightened cross-border transmission risk.

CONCLUSION

The emergence of MVD in Ethiopia represents a pivotal moment for national and regional health security. Sustained containment will require strengthened surveillance, community engagement, cross-border collaboration, and integrated One Health approaches. Long-term investment in resilient health systems and coordinated regional preparedness is essential to prevent future spillover events and protect vulnerable populations.