Marburg Virus Claims First Victims in Ethiopia as Outbreak Spreads to South Sudan Border
Image Source: Internet
Ethiopia has confirmed its first three deaths from the deadly Marburg virus, which has spread to the country's southern region bordering South Sudan. The outbreak, declared by the government on Friday, has prompted a swift response from health authorities, who have dispatched a team from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to support testing and control efforts. Health Minister Mekdes Daba said 17 suspected cases were tested, with no active cases currently reported. However, the government is taking preventive measures to contain the spread of the virus, which can be fatal in up to 88% of people who fall ill. Symptoms include fever, muscle pains, diarrhoea, vomiting, and severe blood loss. The Marburg virus, similar to Ebola, originates in fruit bats and spreads through close contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces. With no authorised vaccine or treatment available, the virus poses a significant threat to public health. The Africa CDC has expressed concern over the outbreak, citing South Sudan's fragile health system. As a precautionary measure, South Sudan's health ministry has issued a public health advisory to residents of four counties, urging them to wash their hands frequently and avoid contact with bodily fluids. This is not the first time Marburg has been detected in Africa, with previous outbreaks and cases reported in several countries, including Rwanda, Tanzania, Equatorial Guinea, Angola, Congo, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, and Ghana.
