Marburg virus outbreak in Ethiopia spreads from Jinka (southern Omo region, South Ethiopia Regional State) to Hawassa, Sidama Region, located over 300 km from Jinka.

Case update:

• 12 confirmed cases including 7 confirmed deaths.
• Further 78 suspected cases are under investigation. 

On 1 December 2025, the DRC Ministry of Health declared the end of the Ebola outbreak that began on 4 September 2025. The declaration followed two consecutive incubation periods (42 days) since the last confirmed patient tested negative and was discharged on 19 October.

The outbreak affected six health areas in Bulape Health Zone, Kasai Province, with 64 cases (53 confirmed, 11 probable) and 45 deaths (CFR 70.3%). This marks the DRC’s 16th Ebola outbreak.

Increased cases of rabies have been reported in animals and humans in Haiti. A case of rabies has been reported in the U.S. in a traveller from Haiti.

As of 24 November 2025:

• 10 cases of Marburg virus disease (MVD), including five deaths, have been confirmed in Jinka town, South Ethiopia Regional State. Five cases are currently receiving treatment (including one critically ill).
  
• Three additional MVD deaths are classified as probable cases (deaths before testing was available).
  
• More suspected MVD cases are still under investigations.
  
• More than 200 contacts have been identified.
  
• The source of the infection has not yet been identified. 
  

No international transmission has been confirmed, but the risk remains. Jinka, though far from Ethiopia’s capital and major airports, is connected by roads to neighbouring Kenya and South Sudan and is considered as a touristic destination, especially for travelers interested in culture and anthropology. For details on MVD, see Marburg virus disease factsheet.

Namibia: Between 8 and 13 November 2025, three additional rabies cases were confirmed in Cape fur seals in Walvis Bay (Pelican Point), Erongo Region, following the first case in June 2025 at Walvis Bay Lagoon (see EpiNews 23 June 2025). All samples tested positive, confirming ongoing transmission.

South Africa: Rabies in Cape fur seals has spread to the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The first confirmed case involves multiple near-bite incidents involving surfers.

The South African Veterinary Association reports that rabies is becoming endemic among Cape fur seals along the Cape coast, marking an unprecedented shift from isolated incidents to ongoing transmission among marine mammals. 

Infected seals displayed aggressive behavior, including biting and attacking surfers and boats, posing a direct risk to public safety.

The Ministry of Health reports that the country has seen a sustained decline in autochthonous malaria cases, with a total of 11 local cases to date, representing a 94.5% reduction compared to the same period in 2024.

Canada: Within one year, Canada reported 5’138 measles cases (4’777 confirmed, 361 probable). As a result, the WHO Region America has lost its measles elimination status according to World Health Organization (WHO).

USA: As of November 4, 2025, a total of 1’681 confirmed measles cases were reported in the United States, including 23 measles cases among international visitors. There have been 44 outbreaks, with 87% of cases linked to outbreaks, compared with 16 outbreaks and 69% outbreak-associated cases in 2024.

In addition, currently active measles outbreaks are ongoing in other countries of the WHO Region Americas such as Mexico, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Belize, as well as in Europe, Africa and Asia.