Marburg virus disease outbreak in Ethiopia sparks alert for readiness in US

Editor's Note

Ethiopia has confirmed an outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD), a severe viral hemorrhagic illness related to Ebola. Infection prevention teams are encouraged to establish or revisit their facility’s MVD readiness plans now, according to a November 19 email communication from APIC.

This MVD outbreak has involved 9 cases and 3 deaths since November 12, 2025. It is currently centered in Jinka within the South Ethiopia Region bordering South Sudan. This is Ethiopia’s first MVD outbreak, but the virus involved is consistent with strains previously seen in eastern Africa, per the APIC communication.

The likelihood of MVD being imported to countries outside of Africa is low. However, sporadic international travel-related cases are possible, and such events are unpredictable. APIC noted that MVD preparedness should include having clear processes for screening individuals with relevant symptoms or exposure history, promptly initiating appropriate transmission-based precautions, and maintaining robust environmental disinfection practices. The email notification included a list of MVD symptoms from CDC.