Ethiopia is ramping up its response to a suspected outbreak of viral haemorrhagic fever in the country’s South Ethiopia Region, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO). Eight suspected cases have been reported so far, and laboratory testing is underway to determine the exact cause of the infection.
The WHO is deploying a team of 11 technical officers with expertise in responding to viral haemorrhagic fever outbreaks to assist the national authorities. The team will help strengthen disease surveillance, investigation, laboratory testing, infection prevention and control, clinical care, and community engagement. The organization is also providing essential medical supplies, including personal protective equipment for health workers and infection-prevention supplies, as well as a rapidly deployable isolation tent to bolster clinical care and management capacity.
Viral haemorrhagic fevers are a group of epidemic-prone diseases caused by several distinct families of viruses, including Marburg, Ebola, Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever, and Lassa fever. The symptoms of these diseases can vary, but often include marked fever, fatigue, dizziness, muscle aches, loss of strength, and exhaustion. The WHO has released $300,000 from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies to provide immediate support to the national authorities.
The Ethiopian government is taking proactive measures to contain the outbreak, and the WHO’s support is crucial in helping to determine the cause of the infection and prevent further transmission. The organization’s rapid response is aimed at strengthening the country’s capacity to respond to the outbreak and preventing the spread of the disease.
The WHO’s assistance is part of its ongoing efforts to support countries in responding to public health emergencies. The organization’s Contingency Fund for Emergencies provides critical funding for immediate response to outbreaks and crises, enabling rapid mobilization of resources and expertise to support affected countries.
As the situation unfolds, the WHO and Ethiopian authorities will continue to work together to investigate the outbreak, provide care to those affected, and prevent further transmission. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, and the WHO’s support is a critical component of the response efforts. With the help of the WHO and other partners, Ethiopia is working to contain the outbreak and protect the health and well-being of its citizens.