13 November 2025, Addis Ababa – The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is closely monitoring reports of a suspected viral haemorrhagic fever (VHF) in Jinka, Southern Region, Ethiopia.
On 12 November 2025, the Ethiopia Public Health Institute (EPHI) notified Africa CDC of eight suspected cases, with clinical samples collected and submitted to the National Reference Laboratory for further testing. As investigations continue, no confirmed aetiology has yet been established.
From London where he was on official mission, the Director General of Africa CDC, H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya had a call the same day with the Ethiopian Minister of Health H.E. Dr. Mekdes Daba to congratulate her for early detection and the transparency that characterized Ethiopia when there is a public health event, and to extend the support from Africa CDC and the entire continent to quickly contain that.
During the Africa CDC Weekly Press Briefing on Health Emergencies held on 13 November 2025, H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya, highlighted this event and briefed Member States on preliminary information and response readiness.
The Africa CDC in-country team continues to engage closely with national authorities and provide technical support. Africa CDC will continue working with the Government of Ethiopia and partners and will issue timely updates as more information becomes available and laboratory results are confirmed, and additional assistance will be mobilised as required
###
About the Africa CDC
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is a public health agency of the African Union. It is autonomous and supports member states in strengthening health systems. It also helps improve disease surveillance, emergency response, and disease control. Learn more at: http://www.africacdc.org and connect with us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube
Media Contacts
Margaret Edwin
Director of Communication and Public Information EdwinM@africacdc.org
