As 2025 moves toward its end, several public-health signals deserve attention — from emerging viral threats to persistent endemic diseases. Here’s a roundup based on the latest reports
🔹 Marburg Fever in Ethiopia — A Renewed Alert
In mid-November, southern Ethiopia reported confirmed cases of viral hemorrhagic fever identified as Marburg virus disease (MVD). The alarm triggered deployment of international support and enhanced surveillance by WHO and national agencies.
Given the high fatality rate associated with Marburg and its potential for rapid spread, public-health professionals must stay alert — especially in regions bordering outbreak zones, where cross-border movement can facilitate transmission.
🔹 Respiratory Virus Season Picking Up in Africa
During epidemiological week 44 (27 Oct–2 Nov 2025), 19 countries in the WHO African Region reported 1,725 respiratory specimens, of which 284 (≈ 20%) tested positive for influenza viruses (mainly Influenza A), and 24 specimens (~1.7%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2.
This suggests the onset of seasonal influenza — a reminder that even post-COVID, classic respiratory pathogens remain a significant burden. Countries across Africa should reinforce surveillance, vaccination (where available), and public-health messaging ahead of winter.
🔹 Polio Watch: Continued Global Scrutiny
At its 43rd meeting, the WHO IHR Emergency Committee reviewed global data for both wild poliovirus (WPV1) and circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPV). Several countries were flagged for ongoing surveillance, including Cameroon, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and others.
This shows that even as polio seems “on the back burner,” the risk of resurgence remains — especially in regions with suboptimal immunization coverage. Vigilance and immunization campaigns remain critical.
🔹 The Chronic Threat: Dengue, Yellow-Fever & Vector-borne Diseases
According to the ECDC’s November 2025 update, global dengue cases exceed 4.5 million with over 3,000 deaths reported so far this year.
Meanwhile, yellow-fever — a vaccine-preventable, mosquito-borne disease — remains a dangerous risk in many regions where Aedes and Haemagogus mosquitoes exist.
For African and Asian countries with favorable climates for mosquitoes — now and in the future — these diseases remain a constant public-health challenge.
