Jinka: A suspected outbreak of viral hemorrhagic fever in southern Ethiopia has led to the death of six individuals, urging the World Health Organization (WHO) to dispatch a team of experts and emergency supplies to investigate and contain the situation.
According to Anadolu Agency, the fatalities, which include a doctor and a nurse, occurred in Jinka town, South Omo Zone. The local news outlet, Addis Insight, reported the deaths on Thursday, highlighting the transmission risk faced by healthcare workers treating patients with similar symptoms.
Selamu Tadesse, the medical director of Jinka General Hospital, confirmed that the deceased health workers were involved in treating affected patients, underscoring the potential for disease spread through close contact.
A WHO statement released on Thursday revealed that a team of 11 experts would be assisting in efforts to enhance surveillance, testing, infection control, and clinical care in response to the suspected outbreak. The Ethiopian health authorities are actively investigating and intensifying their response, with laboratory tests being conducted at the Ethiopia Public Health Institute to identify the cause.
The WHO has committed to providing essential supplies, including personal protective equipment, infection-prevention materials, and a deployable isolation tent. Additionally, WHO has allocated $300,000 from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies to support Ethiopia’s efforts in managing this health crisis.
Viral hemorrhagic fevers, encompassing diseases such as Marburg, Ebola, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, and Lassa fever, manifest symptoms like fever, fatigue, dizziness, muscle aches, weakness, and exhaustion.