President William Ruto’s administration has swung into action after Ethiopia confirmed an outbreak of the deadly Marburg virus in the south of the country.
The Marburg virus is one of the deadliest known pathogens, which causes severe bleeding, fever, vomiting and diarrhoea like Ebola and has a 21-day incubation period.
In a statement shared by the Ministry of Health on Saturday, November 22, 2025, the current administration has heightened surveillance at all airports, border points and high-risk areas.
The ministry noted that these measures are part of efforts to strengthen the early detection of the deadly virus.
“The Government has heightened public health surveillance at airports, border points, and other high-risk areas following reports of Marburg Virus Disease in neighbouring Ethiopia. These precautionary measures are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen early detection, preparedness, and prevention to protect communities,” the statement read in part.
The update was delivered by the Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, during a community engagement forum in Mbeere North, Embu County, where she met Community Health Promoters (CHPs) and residents.
Marburg virus
The outbreak of Marburg in Ethiopia was confirmed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Friday, November 21, 2025. In a statement, WHO noted that 33 laboratory tests were conducted, of which six confirmed cases, including three deaths.
“Of the six confirmed cases, three are currently alive and on treatment. In addition to the lab-confirmed cases, a further three epidemiologically linked cases could not be tested; all three are deceased and recorded as probable cases,” WHO’s statement read in part.
“A total of 206 contacts have been identified, and contacts are under active follow-up. The number of contacts will continue to change as the response evolves. The source of the infection has not yet been identified,” it added.
Signs
According to WHO, Marburg virus disease is a severe, often fatal illness, transmitted from bats to humans, and clinically similar to Ebola virus disease.
The disease has a case fatality ratio of up to 88 per cent, but it can be much lower with good and early patient care.
Nonetheless, WHO vowed to work with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health to enhance coordination, surveillance (including outbreak investigation, contact tracing, and alert management), case management, infection prevention and control measures, laboratory capacity, risk communication and community engagement.
