WHO Warns of Deadly Marburg Virus Outbreak in Ethiopia

The World Health Organization has confirmed nine cases of the highly lethal Marburg virus in Ethiopia, marking the country’s first recorded outbreak.

The announcement came on Saturday after Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health verified the infections.

Marburg virus is considered one of the most dangerous pathogens known to cause viral hemorrhagic fever, with the disease frequently resulting in death. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, and intense muscle pain.

Many patients experience extensive internal and external bleeding within a week of the onset of symptoms.

The WHO stated that no approved treatments or vaccines currently exist for Marburg virus, heightening the risk of its rapid spread. 

Genetic analysis indicates that the strain detected matches the one previously identified in the Jinka region of southern Ethiopia, and additional cases have been reported recently in other parts of East Africa.

To contain the outbreak, the WHO has deployed a specialized team of experts to the affected area to support local health authorities in limiting transmission and preventing further spread.

Marburg virus belongs to the filovirus family, the same group as Ebola. It is one of the most fatal viral hemorrhagic fevers, with mortality rates reaching up to 88 percent in some outbreaks, according to the WHO.