Study Ties 4,381-Case Congo-Uganda Ebola Outbreak to New Bundibugyo Spillover
Updated
Updated · AAP News · Aug 11
Study Ties 4,381-Case Congo-Uganda Ebola Outbreak to New Bundibugyo Spillover
3 articles · Updated · AAP News · Aug 11
Summary
A Nature Medicine study found the Ebola strain behind the DR Congo-Uganda outbreak is a previously unseen Bundibugyo variant, pointing to a fresh animal-to-human transmission rather than a resurgence of older outbreak strains.
Genetic sequencing of samples from 22 patients in both countries showed the virus is distinct from Bundibugyo strains seen in 2007 and 2012 and confirmed Uganda's cases are linked to the same outbreak.
The researchers did not identify the animal source, but said broader access to testing and virus sequencing could help detect future spillovers earlier and improve containment.
Declared on May 15, the outbreak has caused more than 2,000 deaths and 4,381 confirmed cases, while no approved vaccine or treatment exists for Bundibugyo Ebola.