Open Outbreak

Marburg virus disease

Also known as: Marburg, marburgvirus

Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a rare but severe illness caused by the Marburg virus, which is related to the Ebola virus. It leads to a viral hemorrhagic fever, meaning it can cause bleeding and organ failure. The disease spreads through direct contact with the blood, body fluids, or tissues of infected people or animals, and can also be transmitted in healthcare settings without proper precautions. Outbreaks are often deadly, with high fatality rates. There is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for Marburg virus disease, so care focuses on supportive measures like rehydration and treating symptoms. The natural reservoir is believed to be certain species of bats. Outbreaks have mostly occurred in Africa, but imported cases have been reported elsewhere. Quick identification, isolation, and contact tracing are key to controlling outbreaks.

Key facts

TransmissionDirect contact with blood, body fluids, or tissues of infected people or animals; can also spread in healthcare settings without proper precautions.
IncubationUnknown (not found in the sources reviewed).
Case fatalityRecent outbreaks have reported case fatality ratios as high as 100% (Tanzania 2025), and 74% (Ethiopia 2025-2026).
Reproduction numberUnknown (not found in the sources reviewed).
VaccineNo approved vaccine as of 2026.
TreatmentNo specific treatment; supportive care such as rehydration and symptom management.
ReservoirCertain species of bats are believed to be the natural reservoir.
Endemic regionsMainly sub-Saharan Africa, with outbreaks in countries such as Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Ghana, Guinea, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Equatorial Guinea.

Transmission

Marburg virus disease spreads through direct contact with the blood, body fluids, or tissues of infected people or animals. This includes contact with contaminated surfaces or materials, such as bedding or clothing. The virus can also be transmitted in healthcare settings if proper infection control measures are not followed. There is no evidence that the virus spreads through the air like the common cold or flu. The natural reservoir is believed to be certain species of bats, and initial human infections often occur after exposure to bat-inhabited caves or mines. Human-to-human transmission is a major concern during outbreaks, especially in hospitals and among family members caring for sick individuals.

Symptoms and severity

Marburg virus disease typically begins suddenly with high fever, severe headache, and muscle aches. As the disease progresses, many patients develop severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, the illness can cause bleeding from various parts of the body, organ failure, and shock. The disease is often fatal, with recent outbreaks reporting case fatality rates as high as 100%. Survivors may experience long-term health problems. The severity of symptoms and the high risk of death make Marburg virus disease a serious public health concern, especially in areas with limited healthcare resources.

Treatment and vaccines

There is currently no approved vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for Marburg virus disease. Care for patients focuses on supportive measures, such as rehydration, maintaining oxygen levels, and treating specific symptoms as they arise. Early supportive care can improve survival chances. Experimental treatments and vaccines are under development, but none are widely available as of 2026. Infection prevention and control in healthcare settings, including the use of personal protective equipment and safe burial practices, are critical to limit the spread of the virus during outbreaks.

Where it occurs

Marburg virus disease has mainly been reported in sub-Saharan Africa. Outbreaks have occurred in countries such as Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Ghana, Guinea, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Equatorial Guinea, and Rwanda. The natural reservoir is believed to be certain species of bats found in these regions. Occasionally, cases have been imported to other countries, such as the Netherlands, but sustained transmission outside Africa has not been reported. The risk of outbreaks is highest in areas where people have close contact with bats or enter bat-inhabited caves and mines.

Recent history

Since 1996, there have been at least 16 major Marburg virus disease events reported by WHO. Recent outbreaks include the first-ever confirmed outbreak in Ethiopia in late 2025 to early 2026, with 19 cases and 14 deaths, and outbreaks in Tanzania in 2025 with 10 cases and 10 deaths. Rwanda, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, and Guinea have also reported outbreaks in the past few years. Outbreaks are often small but have high fatality rates. The disease remains a public health threat in affected regions, and WHO continues to monitor and respond to new cases.

What to watch

Key signals that would make Marburg virus disease more concerning include outbreaks in new regions, especially outside Africa; evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission in urban areas; the appearance of cases among healthcare workers despite precautions; signs of the virus developing resistance to experimental treatments; and shortages or delays in the development and distribution of vaccines or treatments. Increased spillover from bats to humans, or changes in the virus that make it easier to spread, would also be cause for concern. Continued surveillance and rapid response are essential to prevent larger outbreaks.

Updated