The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has confirmed the detection of a Marburg virus disease outbreak in Jinka, southern Ethiopia, following verification by the Ethiopian Ministry of Health and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI).

In a statement released Saturday, Africa CDC said epidemiological investigations and laboratory analyses are ongoing, noting that the virus strain identified shares similarities with those previously recorded in East Africa.

The initial alert of a suspected viral hemorrhagic fever was shared with Africa CDC on Nov. 12. Ethiopian health authorities, including the Ministry of Health, EPHI and regional structures, have launched response measures such as enhanced surveillance, field investigations, strengthened infection prevention and control, and community engagement.

Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya is expected to meet Ethiopia’s health minister to evaluate additional support needs and strengthen cross-border preparedness. The agency said it will continue coordinating closely with the Ethiopian government and partners to ensure a rapid and effective outbreak response.

Marburg virus is a highly infectious pathogen that causes severe hemorrhagic fever. Symptoms, including high fever and intense headache, typically appear within one week of exposure. It belongs to the same viral family as Ebola, according to the World Health Organization. NNA TV+ / Xinhwa Report