South Sudan Steps Up Surveillance After Marburg Outbreak Reported in Southern Ethiopia
(JUBA) – The Ministry of Health has advised the public to remain calm but alert following confirmation of Marburg Virus Disease cases in Jinka Town in southern Ethiopia. The Ethiopian authorities declared the outbreak on 14 November after laboratory tests linked the cases to a strain previously found in East Africa.
According to the Ministry, the first suspected case was detected in Jinka on 13 November and later confirmed through testing by the Ethiopian Public Health Institute. The Ministry explained that Marburg is a severe and highly infectious illness that spreads through direct contact with blood, body fluids, tissues or contaminated surfaces. Symptoms include sudden fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in advanced stages, unexplained bleeding. Officials warned that the disease can be fatal if treatment is not provided early.
The Ministry emphasised that no confirmed cases have been detected in South Sudan. It said surveillance and screening have been strengthened, and preparedness measures expanded in cooperation with the World Health Organisation and other health partners.
An emergency meeting was held over the weekend to plan an early response. The Public Health Emergency Operations Centre has been activated in alert mode to support surveillance, screening and risk assessment across the country. High risk areas identified include Kapoeta East, Pibor, Pochalla and Akobo, due to their proximity to border routes.
To help prevent the spread of the virus, the Ministry encouraged people to wash their hands regularly with clean water and soap or use alcohol based sanitiser if water is not available. It also urged the public to avoid contact with anyone who has symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhoea or bleeding, and to avoid handling the bodies of people who die with symptoms similar to Marburg.
Citizens have been encouraged to report suspected symptoms to the nearest health facility or through the toll free hotline 6666. The Ministry said it remains committed to transparent communication and will continue to issue updates as the situation develops. It also urged the public to rely only on official health information.
South Sudan Heightens Alert After Marburg Cases in Ethiopia
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Outbreak Location | Jinka Town, Southern Ethiopia |
| Outbreak Declared | 14 November 2025 |
| Cause | Confirmed Marburg Virus Disease |
| South Sudan Cases | None reported |
| Government Action | Emergency meeting held, PHEOC activated, surveillance strengthened |
| High Risk Counties | Kapoeta East, Pibor, Pochalla, Akobo |
| Public Advice | Handwashing, avoid contact with symptoms, do not touch bodies, report cases |
| Hotline | Toll free number 6666 |
Discover more from Access Radio Yei News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
