A dangerous and rare strain of the Ebola virus is spreading across the Democratic Republic of the Congo and into neighboring Uganda, prompting global health officials to declare a public health emergency of international concern.
The death toll in the Congo has risen to 131 out of 513 suspected cases, with an additional death confirmed in Uganda. An American doctor working with an aid group in the Congo has also tested positive, and several other Americans are believed to have been exposed.
In response, six tons of emergency medical supplies, including personal protective equipment, arrived in the region on Tuesday.
Health officials confirmed the outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, marking only the third known appearance of this specific strain. Unlike the more common Zaire strain, there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments available for the Bundibugyo virus, and nothing in development is close to being ready for use. Because it has only caused two previous, smaller outbreaks—in Uganda in 2007 and the Congo in 2012—scientists have very little data on how the virus behaves.
The Bundibugyo virus spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals. Early symptoms like fever, fatigue, and muscle aches are easily mistaken for other illnesses, but can progress to severe vomiting, diarrhea, and organ dysfunction.
While the strain has an estimated fatality rate of 30% to 50%—which is lower than the Zaire strain’s 90% fatality rate—the World Health Organization warns that it remains severe and emphasizes that early medical intervention and rehydration are critical to saving lives.
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