Ethiopia has confirmed its first-ever outbreak of Marburg virus disease.
The World Health Organisation announced the development on Friday after laboratory tests detected the virus in samples from suspected cases in the South Ethiopia Region.
Health officials said the cluster raised concern earlier in the week, and further tests revealed that the Marburg virus was present.
WHO explained that genetic analysis carried out by the Ethiopia Public Health Institute showed that the new strain matches those found in previous East African outbreaks.
This finding helped health authorities trace the possible origin of the infection. It also signalled that the current outbreak fits the pattern seen in neighbouring countries over the years.
Marburg virus disease is rare but extremely severe. Experts warn that the infection spreads quickly once it enters a community.
The virus moves from animals to humans through fruit bats. It then spreads between people through direct contact with bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces. Because of this, outbreaks often grow fast when early control measures are weak.
Early symptoms include high fever, severe headache and muscle pain. Patients usually experience extreme fatigue within hours.
Although symptoms may appear mild at first, many victims begin to bleed within days of infection.
This bleeding may occur from the gums, nose, and other parts of the body. Doctors say this phase marks the most dangerous period for patients.
Marburg virus belongs to the same family of pathogens that cause Ebola. Both diseases have similar symptoms and similar fatality rates.
However, no approved vaccine or treatment exists for Marburg virus yet. Several medical products remain in clinical trials, but none has received global clearance.
Still, early supportive care improves survival.
Doctors rely heavily on rehydration, pain management and close monitoring to stabilize patients.
WHO confirmed that nine cases have been detected so far in Jinka town in the South Ethiopia Region.
National health authorities launched a massive response after the confirmation.
They intensified community screening, isolating suspected cases and tracing people who had contact with confirmed patients. They also began public sensitisation campaigns to slow the spread.
The agency said Ethiopia’s government is working closely with international partners.
A multidisciplinary team with expertise in viral haemorrhagic fevers has been deployed.
The team arrived with medical supplies and equipment to strengthen local response efforts.
WHO and its partners emphasised that their priority is to contain the outbreak quickly and prevent further transmission.
Past outbreaks have been recorded in Angola, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Because of this history, experts fear that the virus may move across borders if the outbreak grows unchecked.
Health officials therefore urged communities to report symptoms early and avoid physical contact with sick individuals.
Although the situation remains tense, authorities say their response teams are working around the clock. They also promised transparent updates as more information becomes available.