A significant health alert has been issued following a Marburg outbreak in Ethiopia, affecting the South Ethiopia Regional State and Sidama Regional State. The Ethiopian Ministry of Health confirmed a new case of Marburg on November 27, contracted in the city of Hawassa, located in the Sidama Regional State.

In response to this development and as a precautionary measure, the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa has implemented strict travel restrictions. Effective immediately, all official and personal travel for Embassy personnel to Sidama Regional State has been prohibited. This new directive builds upon an earlier restriction that already barred official or personal travel to the South Ethiopia Regional State for Embassy staff.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also addressed the outbreak by issuing a Level 1 Travel Health Notice for Marburg in Ethiopia, advising individuals to “Practice Usual Precautions.” This notice indicates that while the risk to most travelers remains low, it is essential to stay informed and follow recommended safety measures.

To reduce the risk of infection, several preventive actions are strongly advised for individuals traveling to or residing in the affected regions. These include avoiding contact with people who exhibit symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, and rash. It is also critical to avoid direct contact with blood and other body fluids, which can transmit the virus. Travelers should remain cautious around fruit bats and their habitats such as caves and mines, as well as non-human primates, including monkeys, which are known carriers of the virus.

Anyone who develops Marburg symptoms, including fever, muscle pain, or rash, during or within 21 days after traveling to the South Ethiopia Regional State or Sidama Regional State should seek immediate medical attention. It is important to self-isolate and call ahead before visiting a healthcare facility, informing medical personnel of recent travel history. Because Marburg symptoms can resemble malaria, travelers are also encouraged to continue taking prescribed malaria prophylaxis to reduce confusion or misdiagnosis.

For additional information and guidance, individuals are encouraged to consult the CDC Marburg page for symptom and prevention details, as well as the CDC Travelers’ Health Page for Ethiopia. Travelers should also check with their travel insurance providers regarding coverage options in case of illness while in Ethiopia.

The U.S. Embassy Addis Ababa is available for assistance and can be reached at Entoto Road, Addis Ababa, by phone at +251 111 30 79 00, or via email at [email protected]. Comprehensive updates and information are available on the Embassy’s homepage. The U.S. State Department – Consular Affairs can also be contacted at 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444. Travelers are advised to review the Ethiopia International Travel Information, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for timely alerts, and follow the Embassy on Facebook and Twitter for ongoing updates.