Ethiopia is investigating a potential outbreak of an unidentified viral hemorrhagic fever after eight suspected cases were reported. The southern Omo region, near the South Sudan border, is the centre of the outbreak under urgent scrutiny.
Viral hemorrhagic fevers, including Ebola, Marburg, Lassa, and Crimean-Congo, have caused deadly outbreaks across Africa in recent years. Ethiopia’s Health Ministry is expected to announce findings from the ongoing investigation on Friday, the Africa CDC confirmed.
The World Health Organization is deploying 11 technical officers to support local authorities in controlling the potential outbreak. WHO is supplying essential protective equipment, infection-prevention supplies, and a deployable isolation tent to strengthen clinical care.
Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya warned the outbreak is concerning due to South Sudan’s fragile health infrastructure nearby. Recent years have seen multiple East and Central African countries grapple with sudden viral hemorrhagic fever outbreaks.
Authorities are urging vigilance as investigations continue, noting the importance of rapid response to prevent wider regional spread. The situation remains fluid, with local and international health teams coordinating surveillance, treatment, and containment measures urgently.
