Ethiopia confirms three Marburg-related deaths

Ethiopia has confirmed three deaths from the Marburg virus in the southern city of Jinka, with Health Minister Mekdes Daba saying an investigation has commenced into other suspected deaths.

At a press conference on Monday, Daba said the Ethiopian Society Institute reference laboratory had tested 17 suspected cases and confirmed three deaths.

Three other people with symptoms consistent with Marburg have died despite lacking laboratory confirmation, while 129 contacts are being monitored, the Health Ministry said.

It said rapid response teams have been deployed to affected areas, emergency centres and medical facilities have been reinforced, and infection prevention equipment has been distributed as part of a coordinated containment effort.

Reported in other countries

The ministry confirmed the country’s first Marburg virus case last Friday and said nine others were showing symptoms.

Marburg is a rare but deadly virus similar to Ebola that causes fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and bleeding. There is no licensed vaccine or specific treatment, as of yet.

It has appeared in Ethiopia following outbreaks in other African countries such as Angola, Guinea, Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania.