Ethiopia reported its initial Marburg virus outbreak after health authorities confirmed nine infections in the southern Omo region near the South Sudan border. World Health Organization Director General Tedros Ghebreyesus praised Ethiopian officials for their swift and transparent handling of the situation, which emerged from suspected viral hemorrhagic fever cases under investigation.
The virus belongs to the same family as Ebola and spreads through contact with bodily fluids or contaminated materials from infected individuals. Symptoms include fever, rash and severe bleeding, with no approved vaccine or specific treatment available beyond supportive care. Health workers have isolated patients while conducting community screenings and contact tracing efforts.
WHO representatives are assisting containment measures and monitoring potential cross-border transmission risks. Africa CDC Director General Jean Kaseya expressed concern about neighboring South Sudan's vulnerable health infrastructure. Ethiopian health officials urged residents to remain calm, follow guidance from authorities and seek immediate medical attention if experiencing disease symptoms.
The virus belongs to the same family as Ebola and spreads through contact with bodily fluids or contaminated materials from infected individuals. Symptoms include fever, rash and severe bleeding, with no approved vaccine or specific treatment available beyond supportive care. Health workers have isolated patients while conducting community screenings and contact tracing efforts.
WHO representatives are assisting containment measures and monitoring potential cross-border transmission risks. Africa CDC Director General Jean Kaseya expressed concern about neighboring South Sudan's vulnerable health infrastructure. Ethiopian health officials urged residents to remain calm, follow guidance from authorities and seek immediate medical attention if experiencing disease symptoms.
