The official news agency in Ethiopia reported on Wednesday that the number of deaths resulting from an outbreak of the Marburg virus has risen to 6 people.
Ethiopia first confirmed the outbreak on November 14, before reporting three deaths just three days later.
On its Facebook page, the agency quoted the Ministry of Health as saying, “Out of 11 confirmed cases of infection with the virus, 6 of them have died and 5 are undergoing medical treatment.”
The ministry added that 349 people suspected of having been in contact with the infected people were isolated, and 119 of them completed the observation period and were released from quarantine.
The Marburg virus belongs to the Ebola virus family, and usually causes severe headaches and bleeding.
Previous outbreaks in Africa have recorded fatality rates of 80% or more, usually within 8 to 9 days of symptoms appearing.