A deadly virus has emerged in Ethiopia, marking the country’s first-ever battle with the Marburg outbreak. This is the part most people miss: while Ebola has dominated headlines, Marburg is equally terrifying—and there’s no vaccine for it. Here’s what you need to know.
Last week, reports of a mysterious viral hemorrhagic fever began circulating in the southern region of Ethiopia, specifically around Jinka city. By the weekend, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed the worst: Marburg virus disease had arrived. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite its high fatality rate—averaging 50% and soaring up to 88% in some outbreaks—Marburg remains overshadowed by Ebola in global health discussions. Why is that?
So far, 17 suspected cases have been identified, with an additional 129 individuals being monitored for potential exposure. Tragically, three people have already lost their lives, according to the Ethiopian Ministry of Health. Nine cases have been confirmed, and genetic analysis by the Ethiopia Public Health Institute reveals the virus is identical to strains seen in previous East African outbreaks.
Marburg virus is a severe and often fatal disease, belonging to the same family as Ebola. Symptoms include sudden high fever, severe headache, and bleeding, typically appearing about a week after infection. The virus is primarily transmitted to humans through fruit bats and can spread via contact with bodily fluids or contaminated materials. And this is the part most people miss: unlike Ebola, which has seen significant vaccine development, Marburg has no approved vaccine, leaving communities vulnerable.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised Ethiopia’s swift and transparent response, highlighting the country’s commitment to controlling the outbreak. However, the lack of preventive measures for Marburg raises questions: Are we doing enough to combat lesser-known but equally deadly viruses?
Historically, Marburg outbreaks have been reported in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda. Last year, Rwanda faced an outbreak affecting at least 66 people, with 15 fatalities. As Ethiopia grapples with this new threat, the world watches closely—and debates fiercely.
What do you think? Should more resources be allocated to developing vaccines for lesser-known viruses like Marburg? Or should the focus remain on more prominent diseases like Ebola? Let us know in the comments below.