Ebola Cases in Central Africa Exceed 1,000 Suspected Infections

A growing Ebola outbreak in Central Africa has reached more than 1,000 suspected cases, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo reporting the largest share. The first suspected case of the Bundibugyo strain was identified in late April in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and confirmed in early May.

As of May 29, the Democratic Republic of the Congo recorded 906 suspected cases and 223 suspected deaths, while Uganda reported seven confirmed cases, three of which were imported from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Testing indicates no approved vaccine or targeted treatment exists for the Bundibugyo strain. Officials continue to investigate additional suspected cases across the region following the World Health Organization's emergency declaration on May 17.

U.S. officials announced plans on May 29 to open a 50-bed quarantine facility at a Kenyan air force base to treat exposed but asymptomatic Americans. A Kenyan court ordered temporary suspension of the plan over public-health concerns. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention briefly restricted entry for travelers who had recently visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan.

Patients developing symptoms were to receive care outside the United States.

The current outbreak remains smaller than the 2014-2016 West Africa outbreak, which recorded more than 28,600 infections. Ebola spreads through direct contact with blood or bodily fluids of infected animals or people. Officials note the Bundibugyo strain has a lower reproduction number than COVID-19 or measles but carries a higher fatality rate.

Symptoms typically appear between two and 21 days after infection.