SOUTH SUDAN: Health Ministry Issues Alert on Marburg Virus Threat

By Deborah Akur Chol, South Sudan

The Ministry of Health is urging the public to remain vigilant and adhere to official health guidelines as South Sudan ramps up preparedness efforts in light of a confirmed case of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) in neighbouring Ethiopia.

Marburg virus disease, resulting from the Marburg and Ravn viruses, is a severe and often fatal illness, with a mortality rate of up to 88% among those infected. However, prompt medical intervention can significantly enhance survival rates. The Marburg virus is related to the Ebola virus and causes symptoms that include high fever, severe headaches, extreme fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues.

Severe bleeding may occur between five to seven days after the onset of symptoms, with fatal outcomes typically arising from significant blood loss and shock. The initial transmission often occurs through prolonged exposure to caves or mines inhabited by Rousettus aegyptiacus fruit bats, known reservoirs of the virus. Once in human populations, the virus spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or via contaminated surfaces.

Health Minister Sarah Cleto Rial addressed the public, assuring them that the situation in South Sudan is currently under control, with no cases reported. “The Ministry of Health reassures everyone that no confirmed cases have been identified in our country. Together with the WHO and our health partners, we are enhancing surveillance and preparedness to prevent any potential importation and spread of the virus,” Cleto stated during a press briefing in Juba on Monday.

She encouraged citizens to remain calm, stay informed, and report any suspected symptoms to the nearest health facility or via the toll-free hotline 6666. The Minister emphasised the importance of personal hygiene, urging the public to wash hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based sanitisers.

Citizens are advised to avoid contact with bodily fluids, including blood, stool, sweat, urine, or saliva from individuals suspected of having the disease.

The Ministry has activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC), enhanced surveillance at entry points, and initiated risk assessments in high-risk border counties. Rapid response teams are being deployed to key areas, including Kapoeta East, Pibor, Pochalla, and Akobo, to monitor population movement and strengthen early detection efforts.

Dr Mabior Kiir Kudior, Chief of Planning and Information at PHEOC, confirmed that a short-term response strategy is already in place. “We have developed a 72-hour response plan along with a travel advisory to inform the public and travellers about necessary precautionary measures for safety,” Kiir noted.

Meanwhile, WHO Representative Dr Humphrey Karamagi reported that Ethiopia has recorded nine cases, including six fatalities, with two patients still undergoing treatment and one recovery. All cases are concentrated in a specific area, providing hope for containment of the outbreak.

This latest case in Ethiopia adds to a series of outbreaks documented throughout Africa, including recent incidents in Rwanda and Tanzania. Past outbreaks have been recorded in countries such as Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda.