In Ethiopia, known as the Horn of Africa, a deadly and highly contagious virus of the same family as Ebola—Marburg—has emerged. The outbreak has been confirmed after nine infected individuals were identified in the southern region of the country. Experts say the virus is even more dangerous and fatal than Ebola, creating renewed concern across Africa. Reported by Al Jazeera.
The Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, on Friday (14 November) praised the swift actions taken by Ethiopia’s health department and relevant agencies. In a social media post, he stated that this rapid response reflects how seriously the country is working to bring the outbreak under control. Earlier, WHO had said that Ethiopian health authorities had begun an investigation after receiving reports of suspected viral haemorrhagic fever.
The Marburg virus belongs to the same family as Ebola. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified it as a rare but deadly haemorrhagic fever that can be fatal. Originating from the Egyptian fruit bat, the virus can spread through contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids or objects contaminated by those fluids.
Symptoms of the virus include fever, rash, and severe bleeding. However, the CDC has said that there is no specific treatment or vaccine for Marburg. Treatment is limited to supportive care such as rest and adequate hydration.
Concerns have increased as the outbreak has spread in Ethiopia’s Omo region. Since the area is very close to South Sudan, the risk could be higher, said Africa CDC Director General Jean Kaseya. He added that South Sudan’s healthcare system is weak and border areas are particularly vulnerable.
WHO chief Tedros stated that the UN agency is actively assisting Ethiopia in containing the outbreak and treating the infected, and is supporting all measures to prevent the virus from spreading across the border.
Ethiopia’s health department has said that infected individuals are being isolated and treated, and efforts are underway to identify those who may have been in contact with them. They have urged citizens not to panic and to follow the instructions of health authorities.
SS