Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda Ministries of Health have reported 575 suspected cases, 51 confirmed cases, and 148 suspected deaths linked to the Ebola Bundibugyo virus outbreak. This includes two confirmed cases in Uganda, with one resulting in death, involving travelers from the DRC. The outbreak is present in 11 health zones in Ituri and Nord-Kivu provinces of the DRC. Most cases involve people in northeastern DRC, including healthcare workers who experienced severe illness. Symptoms match classic Ebola disease, including fever, headache, vomiting, severe weakness, abdominal pain, nosebleeds, and vomiting blood. There is no vaccine available for Bundibugyo virus, and treatment consists of supportive care only.
No Ebola cases related to this outbreak have been confirmed in the United States. The risk to the American public and travelers is considered low. On May 17, an American healthcare worker exposed in the DRC tested positive for Ebola Bundibugyo virus and was transported to Germany for treatment due to proximity and local experience with Ebola care. High-risk contacts associated with this case have also been relocated to Germany and the Czech Republic as a precaution. U.S. agencies, including the CDC and Department of Homeland Security, have taken proactive steps to prevent the virus from entering the United States.