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

Outbreak officially declared over

Ethiopia has declared the end of its first outbreak of Marburg virus disease on Monday, January 26, 2026, after completing the standard 42-day period without any new confirmed cases. Health officials and international partners described the milestone as the result of sustained surveillance and a coordinated response effort in affected areas.

The outbreak was first confirmed in November 2025 in the country’s southern region near the border with South Sudan. Ethiopia’s announcement came after enhanced monitoring and follow-up, a widely used benchmark for viral hemorrhagic fever outbreaks that reflects two full incubation cycles without new infections.

Case totals and response support

Authorities reported 14 confirmed cases during the outbreak, including nine deaths and five recoveries. Reports also noted additional deaths classified as possible cases, and infections among health workers, underscoring the risk to frontline staff and the importance of infection prevention and control in healthcare settings.

The World Health Organization said it supported the national response across key areas such as surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, case management, infection prevention and control, logistics, and risk communication. Officials stressed that rapid detection and containment were central to stopping transmission.

What Marburg is and why it’s closely watched

Marburg is a severe viral hemorrhagic fever linked to fruit bats and spread through close contact with bodily fluids or contaminated materials. Symptoms can include fever, muscle pain, vomiting, and, in severe cases, fatal bleeding. Public health experts note that, as with other high-consequence pathogens, early isolation, contact tracing, and strict protective measures are critical to preventing wider outbreaks.

Even after an official end is declared, Ethiopia and partners are expected to continue monitoring and strengthening readiness to detect any future flare-ups quickly. Officials also emphasized community engagement, healthcare worker protection, and improved laboratory capacity as priorities for ongoing preparedness.