This week’s update highlights the end of the Marburg virus outbreak in Tanzania, rising measles cases in the U.S. and Europe, a MERS-CoV update from Saudi Arabia, and a breakthrough Ebola antiviral drug. Additionally, Pakistan reports alarming antibiotic resistance in Salmonella. These developments underscore the urgent need for stronger public health measures, global surveillance, and vaccination efforts.
Tanzania Declares End of Marburg Virus Outbreak
Tanzania has declared the Marburg virus outbreak over after 42 days with no new cases since January 28, 2025. The outbreak, reported in Kagera region, resulted in two confirmed and eight probable deaths. Health authorities, with WHO support, strengthened surveillance, trained frontline workers, and delivered medical supplies. While the outbreak is contained, officials urge continued vigilance. Marburg virus, related to Ebola, causes severe haemorrhagic fever with high fatality rates.
Source: WHO Africa
MERS-CoV Update: Four Cases, Two Deaths Reported in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has reported four MERS-CoV cases, including two deaths, between September 6, 2024, and February 28, 2025. One case was linked to nosocomial transmission in a healthcare facility. No additional secondary cases have been detected. All cases were males with comorbidities, and only one had indirect exposure to dromedary camels. The risk assessment remains moderate as MERS-CoV continues to circulate in the Middle East.
Since 2012, Saudi Arabia has reported 2,209 of the 2,618 global MERS-CoV cases, with a 36% fatality rate.
Source: WHO Outbreak News
Oral Antiviral Drug Shows Promise Against Lethal Ebola Virus
A new study has found that the oral antiviral Obeldesivir (ODV) successfully protects nonhuman primates from lethal Ebola virus infection. In trials, ODV provided 80% protection in cynomolgus macaques and 100% in rhesus macaques when administered 24 hours post-infection.
The drug delayed viral replication, reduced inflammation, and promoted adaptive immunity, offering a potential alternative to intravenous Ebola treatments. Scientists highlight its advantages for outbreak response, including ease of storage, distribution, and oral administration.
These findings support Obeldesivir as a promising post-exposure treatment for Ebola and other filoviruses.
Source: Source: Science Advances, March 2025
Measles Outbreak Nears 300 Cases, Raises Long-Term Health Risks
The ongoing measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico has reached nearly 300 reported cases, surpassing the total U.S. case count for 2024. While isolated cases have been detected in 13 other states, the CDC maintains that nationwide risk remains low, emphasizing that vaccination is key to prevention.
Doctors warn of measles’ long-term health risks, including subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE)—a fatal neurological condition that can develop years after infection, even in cases that initially appear mild. Public health experts stress the importance of measles vaccination to prevent both immediate and delayed complications.
Source: NPR
Alarming Antibiotic-Resistant Salmonella Levels Found in Pakistan
A systematic review and meta-analysis has revealed high levels of antibiotic-resistant Salmonella in Pakistan, with 92% resistance to nalidixic acid, 80% to ampicillin, and 64% to ciprofloxacin in Salmonella Typhi isolates. The study, analyzing 31 research papers, found 29% of cases were multidrug-resistant (MDR) and 25% extensively drug-resistant (XDR), underscoring the urgent need for updated treatment guidelines and stronger public health strategies.
Experts urge vaccination, improved sanitation, and rational antibiotic use to combat this growing threat.
Source: Open Forum Infectious Diseases
Measles Cases in Europe Doubled in 2024 Amid Declining Vaccination Rates
Measles cases in Europe and Central Asia surged to a 25-year high in 2024, doubling to 127,350 cases, as vaccination rates lagged post-COVID, according to WHO and UNICEF. Children under five accounted for over 40% of cases. WHO warns that immunization coverage has yet to recover to pre-pandemic levels, fueling outbreaks across multiple countries.
Health officials stress urgent action to restore vaccination rates and prevent further measles resurgence.
Source: WHO & Reuters
This week’s global health updates highlight the ongoing threat of infectious diseases and the critical role of vaccination, surveillance, and early interventions. While the end of the Marburg virus outbreak is promising, measles resurgence, antibiotic resistance, and emerging viral threats underscore the need for continued vigilance.
One Health Briefs provides weekly updates based on publicly available data from reputable health organizations, including WHO, CDC, and national health agencies. Information is subject to change as new data emerges. For the most accurate and up-to-date details, refer directly to official sources.
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