Ebola Outbreak: In early May, a hospital in Bunia Health Zone in northeastern DRC identified a cluster of severe illnesses affecting healthcare workers. Initial samples tested in DRC were negative for Ebola virus, but by May 15, 8 out of 13 samples tested positive. The illnesses were identified as Bundibugyo. There is no vaccine for Bundibugyo virus. Historically, Bundibugyo virus has death rates ranging from 25-50%.
KINSHASA MAY 17: Dr Marie Roseline Belizaire, an Emergency Director with WHO Africa and a specialist in epidemiology, public health and infectious disease outbreaks, speaks about the Ebola situation in DR Congo’s Ituri province.
In early May, a hospital in Bunia Health Zone in northeastern DRC identified a cluster of severe illnesses affecting healthcare workers.
Initial samples tested in DRC were negative for Ebola virus, but by May 15, 8 out of 13 samples tested positive, and 5 were inconclusive. Using genetic fingerprinting, the illnesses were identified as Bundibugyo (Bun-dee-BOO-joh) virus, one of the 4 types of orthoebolaviruses that cause Ebola disease in people.
There is no vaccine for Bundibugyo virus, and treatment consists of supportive care. Historically, Bundibugyo virus has death rates ranging from 25-50%.
As of May 16, there are 8 laboratory-confirmed cases in DRC and reports of 248 suspected cases and 80 suspected deaths for a death rate of 32%, although these numbers are subject to change as the outbreak evolves.
Patients have experienced classic Ebola disease symptoms like fever, headache, vomiting, severe weakness, abdominal pain, nosebleeds, and vomiting blood.
Featured Image: Frederick A. Murphy/CDC Organization
