Ethiopia confirms 1st Marburg virus case as 9 more show symptoms

Rapid response teams deployed in southern Ethiopia, where infection is reported, as officials intensify surveillance

By Sadik Kedir Abdu

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AA) – Ethiopia's Ministry of Health confirmed the first case of Marburg virus disease on Friday, citing an infection in a patient from Jinka in southern Ethiopia.

In the same area, nine more people have developed symptoms of a severe viral hemorrhagic illness, and health officials are trying to determine whether these cases are related to Marburg while conducting contact tracing and increasing community surveillance.

Marburg is a rare but deadly virus similar to Ebola that causes fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and bleeding. There is no licensed vaccine or specific treatment.

Marburg has appeared in Ethiopia following outbreaks in other African countries such as Angola, Guinea, Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Ethiopian officials have urged residents to avoid contact with anyone showing unexplained bleeding or fever and to handle bodies only with protective equipment.

Rapid response teams are being deployed in Jinka to contain any further spread.

Kaynak:

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