WHO Confirms 8 Suspected Viral Haemorrhagic Fever Cases in Ethiopia

13, November 2025 - The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that eight people, including health workers, have been infected in what is suspected to be an outbreak of viral haemorrhagic fever (VHF) in southern Ethiopia.

According to WHO, the suspected cases were reported in the Southern Ethiopian Region, and health authorities have launched an urgent response to prevent the disease from spreading. VHF is a group of illnesses caused by several distinct viruses, often leading to fever, internal bleeding, and, in severe cases, death.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the organization is working hand-in-hand with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health, the Ethiopia Public Health Institute, and regional health teams to contain the outbreak. “We have deployed experts to the affected areas, along with medicines, protective gear for health workers, and other essential materials,” Dr. Tedros said.

Samples from suspected cases have been sent for laboratory testing to confirm the cause of illness. WHO has also begun supporting contact tracing efforts to identify and monitor people who may have been exposed to the virus.

To help the response, WHO has released $300,000 from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies. The money will be used to provide immediate medical supplies, support emergency teams, and strengthen surveillance in affected areas.

The health body has also confirmed that its offices in Ethiopia and South Sudan are working together to prevent the possible spread of the disease across borders. “WHO is ready to scale up support as and when needed,” said Dr. Tedros, adding that early cooperation from Ethiopian authorities had been vital in speeding up the response.