Ebola Outbreak in Congo Kills at Least 131 as Bundibugyo Virus Spreads

Health officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda are responding to an outbreak of the Bundibugyo virus, a rare strain of Ebola that has killed at least 131 people as of Tuesday. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said the first cases appeared in a high-traffic mining area in Ituri province in the DRC.

Officials believe the outbreak began weeks earlier and went undetected for some time before being reported.

The Bundibugyo virus spreads through close contact with bodily fluids of infected or deceased patients. Healthcare workers and family members caring for the sick face the highest risk of infection. Dr. Celine Gounder, an infectious disease specialist, said there are no approved medicines or vaccines specifically for this strain.

Responders are relying on basic measures including protective equipment, contact tracing, and supportive patient care. Dr. Anne Ancia, a World Health Organization representative, told reporters that the Erbevo vaccine used against a related Ebola virus is being considered, though it would take two months to become available if approved.

The State Department announced Monday that it activated a response plan and mobilized $13 million in foreign assistance within 48 hours. The funding supports surveillance, laboratory capacity, risk communication, safe burials, and clinical case management in affected countries.

A State Department spokesperson said, "By bringing USAID global health functions under the new Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy at the State Department, our efforts are more aligned and effective. U.S. withdrawal from the WHO, have affected Ebola surveillance and tracking capacity in Africa.

He noted that some partner organizations cut staff or ceased operations during last year's funding freeze.

The CDC and Department of Homeland Security implemented enhanced screening and entry restrictions under a Title 42 public health order on Monday. The measures target travelers who have recently been in the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan. Dr. Paul Spiegel of Johns Hopkins University said the direct risk to Americans remains low because the virus spreads only through contact with bodily fluids of symptomatic patients.

He added that governments in the region have experience containing Ebola outbreaks. " The Bundibugyo virus has caused two previous outbreaks in the same region of the Congo River basin.