The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has issued a public alert following the confirmation of a Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak in Ethiopia, urging heightened vigilance across the country.

According to a statement signed by the Acting Director-General of the GHS, Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) notified the World Health Organisation (WHO) on November 14, 2025, of nine confirmed cases and three deaths.

GHS stated that it is closely monitoring the situation due to frequent travel between Ghana and Ethiopia, adding that preventive measures have been activated to protect the public.

The Ministry of Health and GHS have begun implementing several interventions, including: increased surveillance at all points of entry, alerts issued to regions and health facilities, activation of public health emergency response structures, and engagement with One Health partners such as the Veterinary Services Directorate and Wildlife Division.

Marburg Virus Disease is a highly infectious condition caused by the Marburg virus. It is transmitted from animals to humans and also spreads between people.

The incubation period ranges from two to 21 days, and there is no available vaccine. Treatment is mainly supportive.

The public is advised to immediately report to the nearest health facility if they notice any of the following symptoms:
• Fever
• Bloody diarrhoea
• Bleeding from gums
• Bleeding into the skin
• Bleeding into the eyes
• Bloody urine

GHS has also encouraged the public to adhere strictly to basic preventive measures, such as: frequent handwashing with soap under running water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, avoiding direct contact with individuals who show symptoms, and avoiding contact with animals that exhibit bleeding symptoms.

The Service reassured the public that all necessary steps are being taken to safeguard the population.

Read the full statement below