Marburg Virus Disease Updates
Overview
Marburg virus disease (MVD) is caused by a filovirus named Marburg virus (MARV). It is a very rare disease which is transmitted from certain species of bats (and possible other animals) to a person after which person-to-person transmission is possible through close, direct contact with a person who has developed the signs and symptoms of the disease.
Marburg virus disease outbreak, Jinka town, South Ethiopia Regional State, Ethiopia, November 2025
On 14 November 2025, the Ethiopian Ministry of Health (MoH) officially confirmed the country’s first Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak, following laboratory confirmation of the detection of Marburg virus (MARV) from specimens collected from viral haemorrhagic fever (VHF) suspected cases by the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) National Reference Laboratory. The outbreak occurred in the South Ethiopia Regional State, Jinka town in the South Omo Zone, near the border with South Sudan.
As of 15 December 2025, the Ethiopian MoH reported 14 laboratory-confirmed cases of MVD and nine (9) deaths in the South and Sidama region. The first MVD case in Hawassa, Sidama region, was reported on 27 November 2025, in an individual with a travel history to Jinka town 3, 4. Six (6) of the deaths are amongst the laboratory-confirmed cases, while the other three deaths were reported among three epidemiologically linked cases, from whom laboratory tests were not conducted. These three deaths in epidemiologically linked cases are classified as probable cases. In total, approximately 17 cases (14 laboratory-confirmed and three probable cases), including nine deaths (six laboratory-confirmed and three probable cases) have been recorded, with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 53%. The initial cases were linked to the index case through contact tracing. Molecular analysis of the first laboratory-confirmed cases indicates that the circulating strain in this outbreak is the same as the strain previously detected in MVD outbreaks in other East African countries.
Situation in South Africa
The risk of importation of the MVD cases into South Africa exists due to international travel networks (direct flights) between the two countries. Vigilance is vital given emerging outbreaks in the region. Healthcare workers should consider MVD in any patient presenting with unexplained acute febrile illness who has recently travelled to an affected area or had potential exposure. Rapid action is essential: isolate suspected cases, collect specimens safely, and report immediately to the relevant public health authority to initiate rapid response and to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) for laboratory testing at the Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases (CEZPD).
Read the full report on the outbreak in Ethiopia here.
Facts about Marburg virus disease are available here.
Recent Updates
FAQ
Most frequently asked questions and answers about Marburg Virus Disease
Through human-to-human transmission by direct, and very close contact with blood or bodily fluids of infected persons and with surfaces and materials (e.g. bedding, clothing) contaminated with these fluids. Therefore during outbreaks, mostly health care workers and other care givers are affected.
The incubation period for MVD varies between two and 21 days (this is the time following exposure until the first signs and symptoms of the disease develops). The disease is marked by acute onset of generalized signs and symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dehydration and rash. Patient often have very severe diarrhoea, Typically the disease develops quickly and patients require hospitalization.
Currently there are no registered vaccines or antiviral treatments approved for MVD. Patients with MVD are managed symptomatically and supportively. This includes rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids – and treatment of specific symptoms.
When MVD is suspected, the patient will be isolated in hospital to provide appropriate management and to prevent further spread of the infection.
Individuals that may have had contact with an MVD case will be traced and monitored to ensure that any additional cases of MVD can be rapidly detected and measures put in place to limit further spread. These individuals are not considered as suspected cases, but contacts unless signs and symptoms which may be compatible with diagnosis of MVD develops (within 21 days following last exposure).
Visit your healthcare provider and share your concerns. MVD can be investigated by laboratory testing which is performed at the NICD.
