(MENAFN) Ethiopia has formally verified its first occurrence of Marburg virus disease (MVD) after laboratory examinations identified the virus in the nation’s southern region, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) reported on Saturday.

The initial alert was issued on Wednesday following accounts of a suspected viral hemorrhagic fever. The infections have emerged in the town of Jinka, situated near the borders with Kenya and South Sudan.

The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus mentioned on X that at least nine cases have been detected.

Although Ethiopia’s Health Ministry has not confirmed any fatalities, Russia’s public health body, Rospotrebnadzor, citing multiple media sources, indicated that six individuals might have died, including two medical workers who were treating infected patients.

Local health authorities have triggered emergency response measures, deploying field teams, strengthening infection prevention and control protocols, and enhancing monitoring in affected regions. Public information campaigns are also being conducted to limit the virus’s spread.

“Africa CDC will continue to work closely with the Government of Ethiopia and partners to ensure a rapid, coordinated and effective response,” the organization stated.

Meanwhile, Russian officials have announced intensified sanitary inspections at border points and expressed concern about possible regional transmission.

Rospotrebnadzor also noted that a Russian-developed Marburg vaccine has finished preclinical trials and is prepared for clinical testing.

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