The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) advisory regarding a new outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) in Ethiopia’s South Ethiopia and Sidama regions. Marburg virus is a rare but severe hemorrhagic fever with a high fatality rate.
As of December 3, 2025, no suspected, probable, or confirmed cases linked to this outbreak have been reported in the United States or in countries outside Ethiopia. The CDC currently considers the risk to the U.S. public to be low, but is urging clinicians and public health officials to remain vigilant for potential imported cases. The advisory outlines recommendations for case identification, testing, and laboratory biosafety to help U.S. healthcare systems prepare if needed.
On November 17, 2025, the CDC issued a Level 1 Travel Health Notice for Ethiopia, advising travelers to follow standard precautions. Travelers are encouraged to monitor for symptoms of MVD during travel and for 21 days after leaving affected areas, and to isolate and seek medical care if symptoms develop. Ethiopian health authorities have increased response efforts, including case isolation, contact tracing, airport exit screening, and public awareness campaigns.
At this time, the CDC is not recommending additional screening or monitoring for travelers arriving in the U.S. from Ethiopia. Healthcare providers are encouraged to stay informed and review CDC guidance to ensure prompt recognition and response should a case occur.
Resource: First Reported Outbreak Caused by Marburg Virus in Ethiopia