Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo's Ituri Province was first detected in early May with suspected viral hemorrhagic fever cases. Initial testing using GeneXpert technology returned negative results, as this test does not detect the less common Bundibugyo Ebola virus species. Additional testing was conducted by the Ministry of Health, and samples were sent to the capital for further analysis. Transport conditions, distance, and regional security challenges may have contributed to specimen degradation, delaying viable testing. Once testing became possible at CDC-supported laboratories in Kinshasa, a positive result for the Bundibugyo virus was confirmed within 24 hours, with genomic sequencing completed within another 24 hours by ministry colleagues.
Before receiving the final sequencing results, CDC had already worked with ministry and interagency partners to launch response activities, which continue to expand as new information becomes available. CDC has recently issued updated guidance to health departments, medical professionals, and travelers, providing recommendations on post-arrival monitoring and public health measures for individuals arriving from affected countries.
The agency continues to collaborate closely with country offices in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda and local health ministries, focusing on scaling up infection prevention and control efforts in the region.