Ebola Outbreak Linked to Bundibugyo Virus Spreads in DRC and Uganda
The ongoing outbreak of Bundibugyo virus disease has been reported with 134 confirmed cases and 18 deaths as of May 29, affecting both the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. Response efforts face significant challenges due to security incidents and community resistance.
An outbreak of Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) is ongoing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, with confirmed cases rising significantly. As of May 29, there are 134 confirmed cases, which includes nine cases in Uganda, and a total of 18 deaths among the confirmed cases. The DRC has reported 906 suspected cases and 223 deaths among those suspected as of May 27.
Transmission has primarily concentrated in Ituri as well as North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, where challenges with contact tracing, insecurity, and inadequate patient care complicate response efforts. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners are working with national authorities to implement several measures, including deploying rapid response teams, enhancing surveillance and laboratory confirmations, and establishing treatment centers.
Recent data indicates that 2,635 contacts have been listed in DRC's Ituri and North Kivu provinces. Security incidents against health facilities have posed significant operational challenges, with at least three occurrences reported recently, impacting response strategies and heightening the risk of further transmission within the community.
In Uganda, the situation is evolving with the identification of additional confirmed cases linked to earlier infections. Authorities have actively followed 436 contacts related to these new cases, emphasizing the risks associated with healthcare settings and cross-border movements.
