Ethiopia has recorded an outbreak of deadly Marburg virus in its southern region.
Gatekeepers News reports that this was announced in a statement released on Saturday by Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
The disease, which is among the world’s most lethal pathogens, shares close similarities with Ebola and is known for causing severe bleeding, high fever, vomiting, and diarrhoea, with an incubation period of up to 21 days. It spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids and has a fatality rate ranging from 25 to 80 percent.
Director-General of the World Health Organisation, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, confirmed on Friday that at least nine cases were identified in southern Ethiopia, coming two days after Africa CDC received reports of a suspected haemorrhagic virus in the area.
Africa CDC stated, “Marburg virus disease (MVD) has been confirmed by the National Reference Laboratory (in Ethiopia),” adding that ongoing investigations and laboratory assessments indicate the detected strain resembles variants previously found in East Africa.
Authorities in Ethiopia reportedly acted quickly to verify and address the situation in the Jinka area, with Africa CDC noting its readiness to support the country to strengthen its response efforts and limit the risk of cross-border spread.
Although there is currently no approved vaccine or antiviral medication for Marburg virus disease, supportive care such as oral or intravenous rehydration and treatment targeted at specific symptoms significantly improves patient outcomes.
