By Dr. Samer Koutoubi, M.D., Ph.D.
Department Chair, Public Health
On May 15, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda reported a new Ebola outbreak, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Just one day later, WHO declared this outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), due to its rapid spread and cross‑border implications.
Testing revealed that this Ebola outbreak was caused by the Bundibugyo virus. It causes Bundibugyo Virus Disease (BVD), which is a severe, often fatal form of Ebola.
This outbreak is DRC’s 17th Ebola outbreak since 1976 and its second involving the Bundibugyo virus. Sadly, WHO has stated that the Bundibugyo outbreaks have shown very high fatality rates.
As of June 1, the DRC has reported:
- 321 confirmed cases with 48 deaths
- 116 suspected cases
Uganda has reported 11 confirmed cases, including one confirmed death. Two of these cases were brought in by travelers (imported cases).
How Did This Ebola Outbreak Begin?
BVD is a zoonotic disease, thought to be spread by African fruit bats, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention® (CDC). People or animals can become infected from several sources:
- Direct contact with an animal carrying the Bundibugyo virus
- Direct contact with the body fluids or organs from an infected person
- Direct contact with contaminated objects, such as clothing, bed linen or medical equipment
Why Controlling This Outbreak Is Challenging
This type of Ebola outbreak is challenging due to multiple barriers, including:
- Limited isolation and treatment facilities
- Weak screening and referral systems
- Unsafe burial practices
- High people mobility across porous country borders
- Conflicts in the DRC’s Ituri province that restrict disease surveillance and sample transport
- Community mistrust and misinformation
The CDC says that the risk to the public in the United States remains low. As a precaution, enhanced travel screening and entry restrictions are now in place for travelers from the affected countries. The CDC also notes that measures to contain the outbreak in the DRC are in place.
How to Determine If You’re Infected with Ebola
Typically, the symptoms of Ebola do not appear until two to 21 days after exposure. Once symptoms do appear, that person could potentially infect other people. Knowing when someone is infectious is critical for contact monitoring and travel screening.
Ebola can be difficult to diagnose, since it often mimics the symptoms of other illnesses such as malaria, pneumonia or typhoid. Ebola’s symptoms fall into two categories: dry and wet.
Some “dry” symptoms include:
- Fever
- Fatigue and weakness
- Muscle and joint pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
Within a few days, a patient can develop severe “wet” symptoms such as:
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Abdominal pain and loss of appetite
- Dehydration and shock
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth’s gums, gastrointestinal tract or puncture sites
- Multi-organ dysfunction (liver, kidney or cardiovascular system failure)
Confirming Ebola Cases
Because the early symptoms of Ebola can overlap with malaria, typhoid, and other infections, laboratory confirmation is essential. Some diagnostic methods include:
- Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) – This test, which uses blood or other body fluids, is the gold standard for acute diagnosis and is highly recommended by WHO and CDC in outbreak zones since it is scalable.
- Antigen detection test – This test can be used as a rapid screening tool, but confirmation of Ebola with RT-PCR is recommended.
- Serology test – This test is useful for retrospective confirmation or survivor studies, but not for early acute triage.
Treating Patients of the Ebola Outbreak
For BVD, there is currently no licensed vaccine or specific antiviral treatment. However, supportive care can be helpful and includes:
- Fluid and electrolyte management
- Oxygen therapy
- Pain control medications
- Antiemetics
- Nutritional support
According to WHO, there are some research and development efforts to develop vaccines and therapeutics for the Bundibugyo virus. Clinical trials may also be possible during this Ebola outbreak, but what to do is still being investigated.
What This Ebola Outbreak Means for Travelers
If you plan to travel to the DRC, Uganda, and neighboring countries, follow CDC travel notices. Also, take precautions by:
- Washing and sanitizing your hands frequently
- Avoiding contact with sick individuals and wildlife
- Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) if you’re involved with treating anyone who is infected with Ebola or was exposed to Ebola
- Seeking medical care immediately if you experience Ebola symptoms within 21 days of your return
The Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda is evolving quickly and under difficult conditions. With hundreds of suspected cases, confirmed cross‑border spread, and limited access to affected communities, this situation requires sustained international support and strong local engagement.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is a registered trademark of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
About the Author
Dr. Samer Koutoubi is the Department Chair of Public Health. He earned his Ph.D. in Dietetics and Nutrition from Florida International University in 2001. Dr. Koutoubi earned his M.D. degree in 1988 from Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. His research focuses on coronary heart disease among tri-ethnic groups, including African-Americans, Caucasians and Hispanics. His interest is in disease prevention and wellness, epidemiological research, cardiovascular disease and nutrition, homocysteine metabolism, lipoprotein metabolism, and cultural food and health.
Dr. Koutoubi has also authored a number of articles in peer-reviewed journals and wrote a book review. He served as the Editor-in-Chief for The Internet Journal of Alternative Medicine and reviewed manuscripts for The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Ethnicity and Disease Journal, European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, and The Journal of The National Medical Association. Dr. Koutoubi has also been quoted in Medium, Authority Magazine, national magazines and newspapers, including Natural Health Magazine, Energy Time, Well Being Journal, Northwest Prime Time, and Natural Food Merchandiser.
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