The Minister of Health, Dr. Mekdes Daba, stated that the complete containment of the Marburg virus outbreak in the South Ethiopia Region is a success that demonstrates Ethiopia’s practical capacity for disease prevention, control, and surveillance. Speaking at a formal briefing in Addis Ababa today, the Minister officially declared the country free of the virus after the mandatory 42-day observation period concluded with no new infections.

This milestone marks the end of Ethiopia’s first recorded encounter with the high-consequence pathogen. Dr. Mekdes highlighted that the dangerous outbreak was halted in a short period—a feat she attributed to the "integrated and relentless effort" of the government, local health professionals, and international development partners. The rapid response prevented the virus from spreading beyond the initial containment zones, showcasing a level of preparedness that the Minister noted has significantly evolved.

The outbreak tragically claimed nine lives; however, officials emphasized that the impact could have been far more devastating without the rigorous contact tracing and laboratory protocols established by the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI). Dr. Mekdes described the 42-day countdown—representing two full incubation cycles of the virus—as a "test of the national health system" that proved Ethiopia could apply rigorous scientific guidelines under extreme pressure to neutralize a major public health threat.

While celebrating the success, the Minister extended her gratitude to the EPHI for its "exemplary" work in contact tracing and laboratory diagnostics, noting it serves as a model for other African nations. She also thanked the World Health Organization (WHO) and Africa CDC for their technical and financial support throughout the crisis. Despite the victory, Dr. Mekdes warned against complacency, urging the public to maintain health vigilance as the government continues to fortify the nation’s medical infrastructure against future biological threats.