A rare strain of Ebola, known as Bundibugyo, is spreading in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a region affected by conflict and displacement.

Since April, over 130 deaths and more than 500 suspected cases have been reported, though experts believe the true number of infections could exceed 1,000.The outbreak is challenging to contain due to damaged healthcare infrastructure, population movements, and limited testing.Cross-border spread to Uganda has also been confirmed.Unlike the more common Zaire strain, Bundibugyo lacks an approved vaccine, though advances in vaccine technology post-COVID may speed up development.Symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in severe cases, haemorrhaging.

Health authorities are particularly concerned about infections in densely populated areas and among healthcare workers, which may amplify the outbreak.Safe burial practices and supportive medical care are essential to control transmission.International efforts, including WHO’s emergency declaration and funding for response clinics, aim to slow the spread.The outbreak underscores the difficulty of managing deadly infectious diseases in regions with weak health systems and ongoing conflict.