Research and analysis
Outbreaks under monitoring: week 48 (week ending 30 November 2025)
Updated 4 December 2025
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| Disease or pathogen | Marburg disease |
|---|---|
| Location | Ethiopia |
| Status | Situation update |
| Reporting date | 12 to 30 November 2025 |
| Summary | On 14 November 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed the country’s first Marburg disease (MARD) outbreak in Jinka town, following laboratory testing of samples from the cluster of suspected viral haemorrhagic fever (VHF) cases (Facebook login required). As of 30 November 2025, 12 confirmed cases and 8 confirmed deaths have been reported. A total of 488 persons have undergone laboratory investigation. On 30 November 2025, one confirmed MARD case was reported in Hawassa city. According to the report, the case is a contact of a previously confirmed case. Genomic analysis suggests that the Marburg virus detected in this outbreak is of the same strain as the virus reported in previous outbreaks in East African countries. The source of the infection has not yet been identified although initial investigations show the presence of fruit bats in the area (a reservoir of Marburg virus). WHO is supporting local health authorities in Ethiopia by deploying additional response personnel, testing supplies and personal protective equipment. Ethiopia Government healthcare professionals with expertise in case management and disease surveillance have been deployed to Hawassa and Jinka towns to support the outbreak response. No known human Marburg cases have been reported in the UK. The risk of this outbreak to the UK public is currently considered very low. |
| Further information |
Marburg virus disease: origins, reservoirs, transmission and guidelines Viral haemorrhagic fever: ACDP algorithm and guidance on management of patients Marburg contact tracing (collection page) Ebola and Marburg: returning workers scheme NaTHNaC country information page: Ethiopia |