Understanding the Marburg Virus Outbreak in Ethiopia
On Saturday, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that Ethiopia has recorded nine potential cases of the Marburg virus. The organization reaffirmed its full support for Ethiopian authorities in efforts to contain the disease, treat those infected, and prevent its spread beyond the country's borders.
The Marburg virus is considered one of the most dangerous pathogens, causing a severe illness characterized by acute symptoms such as high fever, intense headaches, muscle pain, and internal bleeding, which can manifest within a week of infection.
* Rare Virus Originating from Bats
Similar to the Ebola virus, the Marburg virus is transmitted from bats and spreads among humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated surfaces, such as bedding, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The virus was first identified in 1967 in laboratories in Marburg, Germany, following concurrent outbreaks in Germany and Belgrade, where 31 individuals were infected during research on monkeys, resulting in seven fatalities. Scientists traced the outbreak back to African green monkeys imported from Uganda, with the virus later linked to other animal species.
The risk of human-to-human transmission increases for individuals who spend extended periods in caves or mines inhabited by bats.
* No Vaccine or Treatment Available
Currently, there is no specific vaccine or treatment for the Marburg virus. However, supportive care, including oral or intravenous rehydration and symptom management, can improve survival rates, as reported by the news agency AFP.
* Government Warnings and Regional Spread
The Ethiopian Ministry of Health confirmed that the virus in Ethiopia belongs to a strain that has caused outbreaks in other East African countries. It emphasized that preventive measures are being implemented in collaboration with international health organizations, along with monitoring and tracking activities.
Other countries have previously faced challenges with the virus; Tanzania declared the end of a Marburg outbreak in March 2025, which resulted in 10 deaths, while Rwanda reported its first outbreak of this kind in December 2024, leading to 15 fatalities.
Although the Marburg virus is less recognized than its relative Ebola, it was discovered about a decade earlier, highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance from global health authorities.
