The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has announced heightened preparedness following reports of a confirmed Marburg virus disease outbreak in Ethiopia, where nine cases and three deaths were recorded as of November 14, 2025, according to the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI).
Given frequent travel between Ghana and Ethiopia, the Ministry of Health and its agencies are taking proactive steps to protect Ghanaians. Measures include intensified surveillance at all points of entry, alerts to regional and local health facilities, activation of public health emergency response structures, and collaboration with partners such as the Veterinary Services Directorate and the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission.
The Marburg virus, a highly infectious pathogen transmitted from animals to humans and between humans, presents with symptoms including fever, bloody diarrhea, bleeding from the gums, eyes, or skin, and bloody urine. Its incubation period ranges from 2 to 21 days, and there is currently no vaccine, with treatment being primarily supportive.
Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, Acting Director-General of the GHS, urged the public to remain vigilant, practice basic infection prevention measures such as hand hygiene, and avoid contact with sick individuals or animals showing signs of bleeding. He assured Ghanaians that the Ministry of Health is fully mobilized to respond and safeguard public health.
