An outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda has led the World Health Organization to declare a global health emergency. The disease has resulted in around 80 deaths in Ituri Province, where the outbreak initially emerged. Although there are close to 250 suspected cases in the area, laboratory tests have confirmed the virus in just eight cases, with additional instances being reported in Uganda.
This particular strain of Ebola, known as Bundibugyo, is both rare and presents challenges in containment due to limited testing capabilities and the absence of a targeted vaccine or treatment.
What is Ebola?
Ebola is caused by a group of viruses referred to as orthoebolaviruses. This virus was first spotted in 1976 near the Ebola River in what are now South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Zaire Ebola virus is the most frequently occurring strain.
Most outbreaks of Ebola have taken place in sub-Saharan Africa, as per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Four out of the six known species of Ebola are capable of causing illness in humans and can be deadly. Bundibugyo virus disease is the specific form causing the current health crisis.
Ebola is categorized among viral hemorrhagic fevers, which can affect organ function and harm the cardiovascular system, ultimately hindering the body’s overall ability to function.
Initially, individuals infected with Ebola might experience dry symptoms, like fever and fatigue, before developing more severe symptoms like diarrhea and bleeding. The virus spreads through contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals, sick or deceased, as well as through contaminated objects.
Healthcare workers and caregivers are particularly vulnerable to infection, although the risk to travelers and the general population remains low, according to the CDC.
Health authorities usually implement various strategies to control outbreaks, including clinical care, surveillance, contact tracing, quarantines, and safe burial practices, among other public health measures.
Ebola Outbreak History
The 21st century has seen several significant Ebola outbreaks, most notably the one between 2014 and 2016, which was the worst in history.
- 2025: The D.R.C. announced its 16th outbreak since 1976, with 53 confirmed cases and 45 fatalities. Earlier that year, Uganda reported 12 confirmed cases, resulting in four deaths.
- 2022: An outbreak in Uganda resulted in 142 cases and 55 deaths, with some cases also observed in the D.R.C.
- 2020: The D.R.C. had 130 cases, with 55 resulting in death.
- 2019: A severe outbreak in the D.R.C. recorded nearly 3,500 cases, leading to around 2,300 deaths.
- 2014: The West Africa Ebola epidemic led to over 28,600 infections and more than 11,300 deaths, marking the largest epidemic recorded.
- 2007: Uganda reported about 130 cases of Bundibugyo virus, while the D.R.C. recorded over 260 cases of the Zaire strain, with a high mortality rate.
- 2003: Two outbreaks in the Republic of the Congo resulted in roughly 180 cases and 170 deaths.
- 2001: Two small outbreaks in the Republic of the Congo and Gabon impacted around 60 individuals, most of whom died.
- 2000: An outbreak in Uganda affected 425 people, with more than half succumbing to the disease.
Earlier outbreaks also occurred before the turn of the century, highlighting the ongoing challenges with the virus.
- 1996: Gabon experienced two outbreaks affecting over 90 people, leading to more than 60 deaths.
- 1995: The D.R.C. faced several hundred cases, with over 250 fatalities.
- 1994: A mysterious illness in Gabon was eventually connected to an Ebola outbreak.
- 1979: An outbreak in what is now South Sudan resulted in nearly 35 illnesses, with over 20 fatalities.
- 1976: Initial outbreaks in South Sudan and the D.R.C. affected almost 600 individuals, causing over 430 deaths.
Are there vaccines?
Currently, no vaccine or specific treatment exists for the Bundibugyo strain, primarily due to its rarity.
Bundibugyo was first identified in 2007 during an outbreak in Uganda’s Bundibugyo District, where diagnostic samples revealed a previously unknown type of Ebola virus. Another outbreak in the D.R.C. was recorded in 2012.
The fatality rates from recent Bundibugyo outbreaks have ranged from 30% to 50%. While no licensed vaccine exists for this strain, prompt medical attention can be lifesaving, health experts indicate.
The incubation period for this strain is between two to 21 days, with individuals not being infectious until symptoms appear. Early symptoms often mimic those of other illnesses, making initial identification challenging.
Vaccines are available for the Zaire strain, but they are ineffective against other Ebola species. Recently, researchers at the University of Oxford have announced intentions to develop vaccines for multiple lethal viruses, including Bundibugyo. The W.H.O. has also indicated that candidate products to address the Bundibugyo strain are in development.
Have U.S. spending cuts affected the response?
The U.S. Agency for International Development has historically been key in managing outbreaks, but its closure last year raises concerns about the current situation. Atul Gawande, previously involved with global health at USAID, highlighted on social media that the latest outbreak may have gone unnoticed longer due to the withdrawal of American agencies that had been instrumental in early outbreak detection.
The CDC has reported that it activated response measures immediately after confirming the outbreak and is collaborating with health ministries in both the D.R.C. and Uganda. During the intense 2014 outbreak, the CDC worked alongside various organizations to bring the crisis to an end.
However, the U.S. withdrew from the W.H.O. earlier this year, making communication more difficult. The CDC became aware of the outbreak only last Thursday, according to officials.
