South Sudan issues alert after Marburg outbreak in Ethiopia

By Newsflash Reporter

The Ministry of Health of South Sudan has issued a public advisory following the confirmation of a Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak in Jinka Town, Southern Ethiopia.

The highly infectious and often deadly viral illness was officially declared on November 14, prompting heightened vigilance across the region.

South Sudanese authorities are urging citizens, health workers, and partners to remain alert, observe preventive measures, and rely solely on official communication as they intensify preparedness to prevent cross-border transmission.

According to the ministry, the outbreak began on November 13 after Ethiopian health authorities detected a suspected Viral Hemorrhagic Fever case in Jinka. Laboratory tests by the Ethiopian Public Health Institute later confirmed the presence of the Marburg virus, while genetic sequencing showed that the strain closely resembles variants previously recorded in East Africa.

Marburg Virus Disease is known for its rapid progression and high fatality rate, which can reach up to 88% without prompt medical intervention. It spreads through direct contact with the blood, body fluids or tissues of infected individuals, as well as contaminated surfaces. Typical symptoms include sudden fever, intense fatigue, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe stages, patients may experience unexplained bleeding, a hallmark of viral hemorrhagic fevers.

Despite the confirmed cases in Ethiopia, the Ministry of Health has reassured the public that no infections have been reported within South Sudan’s borders. However, authorities are acting swiftly to ensure the country remains safeguarded against any potential spread.

Heightened surveillance and emergency preparedness

In response to the outbreak, the Ministry of Health convened an emergency meeting with its partners over the weekend to strategize on swift and coordinated preparedness efforts. Pillar leaders overseeing various public health functions were activated to fortify surveillance and readiness capacities.

Central to these efforts is the activation of the Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC), which has now moved into Alert Mode. This enables enhanced surveillance, screening, risk assessment and monitoring of prioritized locations across both national and state levels.

The ministry has identified four high-risk counties due to their proximity to Ethiopia and cross-border movement patterns. These include Kapoeta East, Pibor, Pochalla, and Akobo. Health officials in these regions are being supported to strengthen detection systems and ensure rapid response capabilities in the event of suspected cases.

Authorities underscored the importance of early detection, noting that while Marburg is highly fatal, timely treatment can significantly improve survival rates. They emphasized that the country’s preparedness measures—including border screening and community alert systems—are designed to ensure any potential cases are identified quickly.

Public urged to stay alert

As part of its advisory, the Ministry of Health has urged citizens to remain calm but vigilant, stressing the role of individual responsibility in preventing outbreaks of viral hemorrhagic diseases.

The ministry advised the public to wash hands regularly with soap and clean water, or use alcohol-based sanitizers where water is unavailable. Citizens are also encouraged to avoid physical contact with body fluids such as blood, vomit, stool, urine, saliva or sweat of individuals suspected or confirmed to have Marburg Virus Disease.

Additionally, people should avoid close contact with anyone exhibiting symptoms like fever, vomiting, diarrhea or unexplained bleeding. The ministry issued a strong warning against handling the bodies of persons who die with symptoms resembling Marburg, citing the high risk of transmission during burial rituals.

Health officials emphasized that maintaining accurate and transparent communication is a priority and promised to continue issuing updates as new information becomes available. The ministry also urged the public to rely exclusively on official channels to avoid misinformation that may fuel fear or panic.

Citizens are encouraged to report any suspected symptoms immediately to the nearest health facility or through the ministry’s toll-free hotline: 6666.

The Ministry of Health reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health and preventing the spread of Marburg Virus Disease into South Sudan, even as regional health authorities work to contain the outbreak at its source.