Ethiopia declares end of its first Marburg outbreak after 42 days with no new cases

Outbreak ends after mandatory monitoring period

Ethiopia declared on January 26, 2026 that its first outbreak of Marburg virus disease has ended, concluding a critical 42-day period without any newly confirmed cases. The outbreak was first confirmed on November 14, 2025 in the South Ethiopia Region, and authorities said enhanced surveillance and sustained follow-up were key to ensuring transmission had been interrupted.

According to reporting on the announcement, Ethiopia recorded 14 confirmed cases during the event, including nine deaths and five recoveries. Officials also assessed additional deaths as possible Marburg cases in connection with the outbreak. The episode underscored the risks posed by viral hemorrhagic fevers and the importance of rapid containment when infections emerge.

Marburg is transmitted to people from animal reservoirs and can spread between humans through close contact with bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces. Severe illness can include high fever, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea, and in some patients can progress to bleeding and shock. Public-health agencies stress that early detection, isolation, safe care, and rigorous infection prevention can sharply reduce spread.

How the response was supported

The World Health Organization said it worked with Ethiopia’s health authorities to support the response across multiple pillars, including surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, case management, infection prevention and control, coordination, logistics, and risk communication. The end-of-outbreak declaration reflects a sustained effort to track contacts, test suspected cases, and maintain readiness even after the last confirmed patient recovered.

• End declared after 42 consecutive days with no new confirmed cases
• Outbreak first confirmed on November 14, 2025
• Response included surveillance, lab support, and infection-control measures

Health officials cautioned that continued vigilance remains important, including the ability to rapidly investigate any future suspected cases. For communities affected by the outbreak, authorities emphasized ongoing public education on symptom recognition and safe caregiving practices in order to reduce the risk of renewed transmission.