WHO Confirms Bundibugyo Virus Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda

GENEVA — The World Health Organization on Friday confirmed a Bundibugyo virus Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, the agency said in a disease outbreak notice. The confirmation marks the latest flare-up of Ebola virus disease in the Great Lakes region. WHO said the Bundibugyo strain, first identified in Uganda in 2007, causes Ebola virus disease, a severe and often fatal haemorrhagic illness in humans. The agency urged affected countries to scale up surveillance, contact tracing and community engagement to contain spread. In Nigeria, the National Orientation Agency on Monday urged citizens to heighten vigilance against Ebola and to report suspicious cases promptly, Peoples Gazette reported. The appeal reflects regional concern over cross-border transmission. Nigeria, which recorded a case during the 2014 West Africa Ebola epidemic, maintains Ebola surveillance and response protocols through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, health authorities said. Health authorities across Africa are monitoring the cross-border transmission risk, WHO said. ## What Is the Bundibugyo Virus Ebola Outbreak? The Bundibugyo virus is one of six known Ebola virus species. WHO classifies Ebola virus disease as a priority pathogen with high fatality potential and says early detection and isolation are critical to saving lives. **Related coverage:** [Nigeria expands health insurance under NHIA]( | [Africa steps up disease surveillance]( **External authority:** [WHO Disease Outbreak News]( *Source Reporters corrects errors promptly. Report corrections to corrections@sourcereporters.com.*