Active Public Health Outbreaks in the WHO African Region
Situation Report: November 30, 2025
New Alert
Marburg Virus
6
Confirmed Deaths (Ethiopia)
Critical Burden
Mpox (2025)
40,138
Confirmed Cases YTD
High Mortality
Cholera (2025)
7,131
Total Deaths YTD
Emerging Threat: Marburg Virus in Ethiopia
As of late November 2025, the most critical new public health event in the region is the first-ever confirmed outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) in Ethiopia. The outbreak was officially confirmed on November 14, 2025, following reports of suspected viral hemorrhagic fever cases in Jinka town, South Ethiopia Regional State.
Current data from the Ethiopia Public Health Institute (EPHI) and WHO indicates 6 confirmed cases and 6 deaths (including probable cases), resulting in a high case fatality rate typical of the filovirus. The outbreak is geographically concentrated near the borders of South Sudan and Kenya, raising significant cross-border transmission concerns. Over 200 contacts are currently under active monitoring.
Risk Assessment Profile
Mpox: Shifting Epicenters
The Mpox epidemic remains a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). While the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has seen a decline in case numbers during September and October 2025, the virus has found new footholds. Liberia and Kenya are reporting rising case counts, driven by the spread of Clade Ib.
Contrast in Trends: While Sierra Leone has achieved a 99% decline in cases, Kenya has detected Clade Ib in 31 of its 47 counties. The discrepancy between suspected cases (~132,000) and confirmed cases (~40,000) across the continent highlights persistent diagnostic gaps.
| Country | Trend (Sep-Oct 2025) | Primary Driver |
|---|---|---|
| DR Congo | ? Declining | Clade Ia & Ib |
| Liberia | ? Rising | Local Transmission |
| Kenya | ? Rising | Clade Ib (Widespread) |
| Sierra Leone | ? Controlled | Surveillance Success |
Cholera: The Silent Crisis
Overshadowed by viral outbreaks, Cholera has caused significantly more fatalities in 2025. Africa CDC reports over 308,935 cases and 7,131 deaths this year. The Case Fatality Rate (CFR) stands at 2.3%, more than double the WHO's threshold for a controlled outbreak (<1%).
Angola has emerged as a severe hotspot in late 2025, reporting over 34,000 cases. Climate factors, specifically flooding in West and Central Africa, continue to drive transmission by contaminating water sources.
Other Active Emergencies
Diphtheria
Nigeria: The epicenter of the regional outbreak with over 12,000 suspected cases and 8,500+ confirmed. Low vaccination coverage in conflict-affected zones remains the primary driver.
Rift Valley Fever
Senegal: An active outbreak with 505 confirmed cases. The disease, affecting both livestock and humans, poses economic risks alongside health threats.