Global Virus Network Statement on the Marburg Virus Outbreak in Ethiopia

GVN The Global Virus Network (GVN), a coalition of leading human and animal virologists in more than 40 countries dedicated to advancing pandemic preparedness through research, education and training, and global health solutions, today issued a statement on the newly confirmed outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) in southern Ethiopia. This represents the country’s first documented outbreak of Marburg virus and raises urgent public health, research, and surveillance imperatives. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the outbreak was officially confirmed on November 14, 2025, after initial suspected viral hemorrhagic-fever cases in Jinka town, South Omo Region, Ethiopia, were tested and found to contain Marburg virus RNA. As of November 20, 2025, six laboratory-confirmed cases, including three deaths, have been reported; in addition, three probable (epidemiologically linked) deaths are under investigation. The number of contacts being monitored is 206 and growing.