Largest-ever Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak recorded in Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has registered the largest outbreak in history of Ebola virus disease caused by the Bundibugyo species. According to Congolese authorities as of July 31, the number of cases reached 3,532, with around 1,556 deaths.
The World Health Organization confirmed that the current outbreak has already surpassed in scale the two previous Bundibugyo epidemics. Transmission continues, while mortality and the number of affected areas in the country are rising.
The outbreak was detected in early May in the northeastern Ituri province, and on May 15 the Congolese authorities officially declared an epidemic. Subsequently, the disease spread to North and South Kivu, Upper Uele, and Tshopo. By mid-July, infections had been recorded in 46 health zones across five provinces.
WHO warns that some of the new figures may be linked not only to recent infections but also to the processing of backed-up test samples, expanded testing, and strengthened epidemiological surveillance. Nevertheless, the organization notes sustained virus transmission and further geographical expansion of the outbreak.
The epidemic has also affected neighboring Uganda, where imported cases and infections among contacts of patients and healthcare workers were identified. However, no new cases have been reported there since June 21, after which the country began a 42-day period of enhanced surveillance.
WHO assesses the risk of further spread within Congo as very high. For neighboring countries, the risk is considered high due to active cross-border trade, population movement, and links between mining regions. The global risk is currently assessed as low.
Bundibugyo disease is transmitted through direct contact with the blood and other body fluids of an infected person, as well as through contaminated surfaces and objects. The incubation period ranges from two to twenty-one days. Early symptoms can include fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat; later symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, and organ dysfunction.
There are currently no specifically approved vaccines or drugs against the Bundibugyo virus. WHO is considering several experimental vaccines and treatments; however, their use is recommended only within clinical trials. The main measures remain early detection and isolation of patients, symptomatic treatment, contact tracing, and safe burial practices.
On May 17, WHO declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. However, the organization emphasized that the epidemic does not yet meet the criteria for a pandemic emergency.
Based on materials from: World Health Organization
