Bundibugyo ebolavirus | A deadly pathogen
The Bundibugyo ebolavirus is currently causing an outbreak in Central Africa, primarily affecting the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. The World Health Organization has declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern due to the outbreak, which has resulted in over 80 deaths. Efforts are underway to develop a vaccine, as the virus has a high fatality rate and is spreading in a conflict-ridden area, complicating containment efforts.
- ▪The Bundibugyo ebolavirus strain is responsible for the current outbreak in DRC and Uganda.
- ▪The WHO declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern shortly after the outbreak was announced.
- ▪As of May 21, 2026, there have been 83 confirmed cases and 746 suspected cases reported in the DRC.
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At the heart of the current outbreak of Ebola in Central Africa is a quirky name —Bundibugyo. The less-known Bundibugyo ebolavirus strain that causes an often-fatal viral haemorrhagic fever is the primary causative agent in the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda. While related to the more common Zaire ebolavirus and the Sudan ebolavirus, there have been only two documented Bundibugyo-related outbreaks (Uganda in 2007, and another in the DRC in 2012). Currently, there are no vaccines or specific therapies against it, though efforts are on to fast-track the development of a vaccine.
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