Ethiopia confirms first outbreak of Marburg virus after testing

Ethiopia has confirmed the first outbreak of Marburg virus disease after laboratory analysis of samples from a group of patients. This was reported by Bloomberg.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nine cases have been reported, including among health workers, in the southern region of the country, near the border with South Sudan.

"The identified virus belongs to the same strain as in previous outbreaks in East Africa," the organization noted, stressing that the Ethiopian authorities "promptly identified the virus and began measures to contain it."

To support the country, WHO allocated $300,000 from the reserve fund and sent the first response team. Personal protective equipment, medical supplies and insulation equipment have been delivered to Ethiopia.

Marburg disease is transmitted through direct contact with body fluids and is characterized by a severe course.

"There is no specific treatment, early supportive therapy increases survival," the organization said.

Health authorities in Ethiopia and South Sudan have increased coordination to prevent the cross-border spread of the virus.

Earlier, on October 12, WHO reported the death of 13 Rwandan residents from Marburg fever. After contracting the fever, 15 people recovered, the organization added. At the same time, more than 700 people who have been in contact with infected people are under medical supervision. WHO has classified the outbreak as a level 3 emergency.

Later, the WHO press service announced that the outbreak of Marburg fever in Rwanda could be declared over after there were no new cases in the country starting on November 9. The organization issued a press release immediately the next day after laboratory tests confirmed the recovery of the last of the patients.

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