Addis Ababa, January 31st. - The official announcement of the successful eradication in Ethiopia of the viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Marburg virus dominated the media agenda during the week that ends today.
This was confirmed last Monday by the Minister of Health, Mekdes Daba, during the National Forum on Review of Preparedness and Response to Public Health Emergencies.
She specified then that this achievement demonstrated the resilience and effectiveness of the Ethiopian health emergency management system, which overcame the crisis with unwavering precision and agility.
Daba stated that this victory is the result of rigorous monitoring and containment strategies that effectively halted the transmission of the virus. She revealed that no new cases had been detected in the last 42 days, a period that represents two full incubation cycles, confirming the total containment of the outbreak.
She emphasized that the success of the mission was supported by a series of extensive vaccination initiatives, rapid response deployments, and broad public awareness campaigns that empowered citizens throughout the country.
She stressed that smooth coordination among local communities, dedicated health professionals, and international partners was fundamental to managing the health crisis and restoring public safety.
The Ethiopian minister expressed her deepest gratitude to frontline workers, whose tireless dedication protected the population and the national economy from the devastating impact of the virus.
The eradication of this severe hemorrhagic fever not only saves lives but also consolidates Ethiopia’s position as a leader in regional health security and emergency preparedness, she asserted.
On November 14th, the Ministry of Health reported the detection of the Marburg virus in the city of Jinka (Southern Region), a form of viral hemorrhagic fever known for its high mortality rate and rapid transmission through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated materials.
Health authorities activated the Incident Management System to coordinate field investigations, clinical care, and community surveillance.
Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Jean Kaseya, revealed at that time that he was informed of the possible outbreak that very day and expressed full support from the African Union agency and the continent to quickly contain the crisis.
Kaseya provided Member States with preliminary information and response preparedness. The African health agency’s team in the country worked closely with national authorities and provided technical support, he asserted.
He underlined that they were working with the Ethiopian Government and its partners, and if necessary, would mobilize additional assistance, he concluded.
In that regard, Africa CDC maintained timely updates as more information became available and laboratory results were confirmed.
Viral hemorrhagic fevers are infectious diseases that can be life-threatening. They can damage the walls of small blood vessels and cause them to leak, as well as prevent the blood from clotting.
Symptoms include fever, diarrhea, vomiting, bleeding, and often result in death. They can only spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids and/or surfaces, objects, and materials that have been in contact with a sick person.
