Viral Haemorrhagic Fever Outbreak Suspected in South Ethiopia

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced today that health authorities in Ethiopia are increasing their response and conducting further investigations following reports of suspected cases of viral hemorrhagic fever in the South Ethiopia Region.

As of November 13, 2025, the WHO has reported eight suspected cases in this region where about 7.5 million people live.

The South Ethiopia Regional State borders Kenya and South Sudan.

Laboratory testing is currently underway to determine the exact cause of these cases. Viral hemorrhagic fever is caused by several distinct families of viruses, including Marburg, Ebola, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, and Lassa fever.

Currently, only the Zaire Ebola virus has approved vaccines and antibody therapies.

In support of this investigation, the WHO has deployed an initial team of responders and delivered medical supplies to assist in the ongoing efforts to determine the cause of infection and halt further transmission. 

Previously, the U.S. CDC included Ethiopia in its Travel Health Notices for malaria, measles, and polio issued in 2025.