Ethiopia Confirms First Marburg Outbreak as WHO Dispatches Team to Omo Region

Ethiopia has reported its first-ever Marburg virus outbreak, confirming nine cases in the Omo region, adjacent to South Sudan. This announcement follows investigations into a suspected viral hemorrhagic fever. The Ethiopian government has received praise for its transparency during this situation from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

WHO Response to the Marburg Virus Outbreak in Ethiopia

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), commended Ethiopia’s rapid response efforts. He highlighted the nation’s dedication to controlling the outbreak effectively.

In response to the outbreak, the WHO has deployed a technical team to assist Ethiopia in testing and managing the situation. The agency is also supplying critical resources, such as:

• Personal protective equipment for health workers
• Infection-prevention supplies
• A quickly deployable isolation tent to enhance clinical care

Concerns from Africa CDC

Jean Kaseya, Director-General of the Africa CDC, expressed concern regarding the outbreak’s proximity to South Sudan, which is noted for its fragile health system.

Understanding the Marburg Virus

The Marburg virus was first recognized in 1967 following outbreaks in Marburg and Frankfurt in Germany, as well as in Belgrade, Serbia. It is believed that the virus results from prolonged human exposure to caves or mines occupied by Rousettus bat colonies.

Similar to Ebola, the Marburg virus is highly contagious. It spreads through close contact with infected individuals’ bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces. No recent cases of the Marburg virus have been reported in other African nations.

Fatality Rate and Symptoms

The Marburg virus has a fatality rate that may reach up to 88%. There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment available. The incubation period, or time between infection and symptom onset, typically ranges from two to 21 days.

Symptoms commonly begin abruptly with:

• High fever
• Severe headache
• Muscle pains

Additional symptoms may develop after three days, including:

• Watery diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Between five to seven days post-infection, severe forms of bleeding may begin. In fatal cases, this can lead to significant blood loss, manifesting as blood in vomit, feces, and other orifices.

As Ethiopia navigates this outbreak, global health authorities are monitoring the situation closely to curb the spread and provide necessary support. The coordination between local and international health organizations is essential in managing this emergent health crisis.