Ethiopia declares Marburg outbreak over after 42 days with no new cases

Ethiopia has declared its Marburg virus outbreak over after meeting World Health Organization criteria requiring 42 consecutive days with no new infections, health officials said.

Health Minister Mekdes Daba said on Monday that the country is now free of the virus under WHO standards, citing the absence of new cases for six weeks.

According to earlier government data, the outbreak was first detected in November in the Southern Ethiopian Region. Laboratory testing was conducted on about 3,800 suspected cases, with 14 infections confirmed. Nine people died and five recovered, officials said.

Authorities said hundreds of contacts were monitored during the response period, including individuals who had direct exposure to confirmed cases. All monitored contacts completed follow-up without developing symptoms, according to the Ministry of Health.

Dr. Dare Duguma said the establishment of prevention and treatment centers, combined with the work of health professionals, played a central role in stopping transmission.

Health officials said the outbreak response included expanded laboratory testing, quarantine and treatment centers, contact tracing, and public awareness campaigns. Entry and exit screening was also carried out at transport checkpoints during the outbreak.

This was the first Marburg virus outbreak reported in Ethiopia since the virus was identified. Previous outbreaks in Africa have resulted in fatality rates ranging from 24% to 88%, depending on early detection and available care.