Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has resulted in more than 900 suspected cases and 220 suspected deaths, with the outbreak spreading faster than health workers can contain, according to World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus.
The WHO has declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, increasing the national risk level in DRC from high to very high and noting that neighbouring countries such as Uganda are at high risk, having confirmed five cases and one death.
Efforts to control the outbreak face significant challenges, especially in the conflict-affected eastern region of DRC. Two treatment centres were recently set on fire amid intense fighting, causing the displacement of over 100,000 people. These attacks have been linked to misinformation on social media and community distrust toward external authorities, which are impeding case investigations and limiting health workers’ ability to reach affected populations.
Strict protocols for handling the burial of suspected Ebola victims have caused anger among local populations. Authorities have banned funeral wakes involving more than 50 people and assigned armed guards to ensure compliance during burials. While families are given protective equipment to allow limited participation in mourning without touching the bodies, these measures remain a source of tension.
Despite nearly two decades of Ebola outbreaks, there are currently no approved vaccines or therapeutics for the Bundibugyo strain. WHO is prioritizing antibodies undergoing clinical trials and evaluating the antiviral obeldesivir as a treatment for high-risk contacts. The agency is also expanding containment operations, including contact tracing, establishment of treatment centres, strengthened laboratory capacity, case management, and infection control.