The Ministry of Health has confirmed one additional case of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) in Jinka_town, South_Ethiopia Regional State, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in Ethiopia to four.
In a statement issued yesterday, the Ministry said one person tested positive for Marburg out of nine laboratory samples analyzed.
Health Minister Dr. Mekdes Daba previously stated in a briefing on 17 November 2025 that three of six people who died after exhibiting symptoms consistent with Marburg had succumbed to the virus.
Meanwhile, the United States has expressed readiness to support Ethiopia’s efforts to contain the outbreak. According to the Ministry, U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin Massinga conveyed his government’s commitment during discussions held yesterday with Dr. Mekdes on the overall and rapid response to the Marburg outbreak.
Dr. Mekdes outlined measures taken so far, including laboratory testing, contact tracing, emergency preparedness and community engagement. Ambassador Massinga commended Ethiopia’s “strong and timely response,” the Ministry said on its social media page.
Following the outbreak in Ethiopia, several African countries have begun implementing precautionary control measures and urged their citizens to remain vigilant.
South_Sudan’s Ministry of Health said surveillance and control activities are underway to prevent cross-border spread from Ethiopia. Due to frequent movement between the two countries, Kapoeta East, Pibor, Pochalla and Akobo have been identified as high-risk counties.
Kenya and Ghana have also issued advisories for heightened surveillance. Kenyan authorities are focusing efforts on border areas including Marsabit and Turkana, while the Ghana Health Service announced that preparatory prevention activities are in progress and 24-hour surveillance is being maintained.
source: AS.
