The Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo strain has now spread to neighboring Uganda, with the World Health Organization warning that response teams remain “behind” the outbreak despite improving testing capacity. The rare strain has no approved vaccine or treatment.
Current Case Numbers
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): 344 confirmed cases across 24 health zones in three provinces (Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu), with 60 deaths recorded. Suspected cases have dropped from 906 to 116 as testing clears backlog.
Uganda: 15 confirmed cases, 1 death.
International Cases: A US citizen infected in DRC is receiving treatment in Germany. A Congolese resident who traveled through the UAE before arriving in Uganda has been identified.
WHO Assessment
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated after visiting the outbreak epicenter in Ituri province that “the outbreak had a big head start, and we’re still behind.”
The organization has maintained its risk assessment: very high at the national level, high at the regional level, and low at the global level.
“The number of suspected cases has dropped significantly from over 1,000 to 116, as cases are either confirmed or ruled out through ongoing surveillance,” Tedros said during a media briefing on June 3.
Challenges
Health experts note the virus spread undetected for weeks before laboratory confirmation. The Bundibugyo strain initially presents with symptoms similar to flu, malaria, or typhoid, complicating early detection.
Treatment centers have been established in multiple locations including Bunia, Mongbwalu, Rwampara, Beni, Goma, and Bukavu. Six people have recovered in DRC and two in Uganda, demonstrating that survival is possible with early medical care.