Addis Ababa — A suspected outbreak of viral hemorrhagic fever in Jinka town, South Omo Zone, has claimed the lives of six people, among them a doctor and a nurse, intensifying concerns among health authorities and triggering an international emergency response.

Local hospital officials who spoke to the BBC confirmed that the cause of the illness remains unidentified, but early clinical signs point to a severe, fast-progressing infection. Patients presented with high fever, headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, and several died within 24 hours of admission, according to Jinka General Hospital.

Health Workers Among the Dead

Dr. Selamu Tadesse, Medical Director of Jinka General Hospital, said the two health workers who died had been actively treating patients exhibiting similar symptoms. Their deaths underscore the high transmissibility risk and the possibility of exposure through close patient contact.

“These colleagues were in direct contact with patients who arrived critically ill. The rapid deterioration we witnessed is deeply alarming,” Dr. Selamu said.

Government Confirms Cases, Sends Field Teams

In a joint statement issued on Thursday, the Ministry of Health and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) confirmed that eight suspected cases have been identified so far.

Field epidemiology and laboratory teams have been deployed to:

• Conduct on-the-ground assessments
• Collect clinical and environmental samples
• Strengthen community surveillance
• Investigate potential sources and transmission pathways

Laboratory testing is currently underway at EPHI to determine the exact pathogen behind the outbreak.

Rapid Deterioration and Possible Spread Through Contacts

Hospital officials noted that several individuals with direct contact with infected patients have also shown symptoms, raising fears of localized transmission.

Many patients reportedly reached the hospital only after their condition had become critical, with some succumbing shortly thereafter. Symptoms included persistent fever, gastrointestinal distress, and in some cases, bleeding—all clinical markers consistent with viral hemorrhagic fevers such as Ebola, Marburg, or Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever, though none have yet been confirmed.

WHO Mobilizes Emergency Support

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Friday that it has deployed an emergency response team to assist Ethiopia in containing the outbreak.

Key support measures include:

• Deployment of an 11-member technical team specializing in outbreak investigation
• Strengthening infection prevention and control measures at health facilities
• Provision of personal protective equipment, an isolation tent, and other medical supplies
• Release of US$300,000 from WHO’s Contingency Fund for Emergencies to facilitate rapid response

“WHO is working closely with the Ministry of Health and EPHI to urgently identify the cause and prevent further spread,” the agency said in its statement.

Public Urged to Remain Vigilant

The Ministry of Health has urged residents of Jinka and surrounding areas to:

• Seek medical attention immediately if they develop symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or bleeding
• Maintain strict hand hygiene
• Avoid contact with individuals exhibiting symptoms
• Follow guidance from local health authorities as investigations continue

Investigations Ongoing

As of now, officials stress that the situation is under active investigation, and no confirmed diagnosis has been made. Further laboratory results are expected in the coming days, which will determine the next steps in the containment strategy.