Context
- The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is facing its deadliest Ebola outbreak, with 4,945 cases and 2,325 deaths reported by August 2026.
- The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a species of Ebola for which there is currently no licensed vaccine or specific approved therapeutic.
About Ebola Disease?
- Ebola disease is a severe and often fatal viral disease caused by viruses belonging to the Orthoebolavirus genus of the Filoviridae family.
- It can cause fever, severe weakness, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in severe cases, internal and external bleeding.
- The average case fatality rate is around 50%, although it has varied considerably between outbreaks.
Ebola Viruses and Human Disease
Three Orthoebolaviruses are particularly associated with major human outbreaks:
| Virus | Disease |
| Ebola virus (EBOV) | Ebola virus disease (EVD) |
| Sudan virus (SUDV) | Sudan virus disease (SVD) |
| Bundibugyo virus (BDBV) | Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) |
Transmission
- Ebola viruses are primarily transmitted through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of infected people or deceased persons.
- Natural host: Fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family are considered the likely natural hosts of Orthoebolaviruses.
About the Ebola Vaccine?
- Ervebo® is a licensed and WHO-prequalified vaccine against Ebola virus disease caused by EBOV.
- It is not currently recommended for the Bundibugyo outbreak, as there is insufficient evidence that it provides protection against BDBV.
About Bundibugyo Virus (BDBV):
- Disease: Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD)
- Type: Ebola virus species
- First identified: During an outbreak in Bundibugyo District, Uganda, in 2007
- Licensed vaccine: None specifically approved for BVD
- Case fatality: Previous BVD outbreaks have recorded approximately 30–50% case fatality rates.
| Important CTC from this article for UPSC Ebola Disease |
Q. With reference to Ebola disease, consider the following statements:
1. Bundibugyo virus belongs to the Orthoebolavirus genus.
2. Ervebo® is a licensed vaccine specifically approved against Bundibugyo virus disease.
3. Fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family are considered likely natural hosts of Orthoebolaviruses.
4. Early intensive supportive care can improve survival in Ebola disease.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (b) 1, 3 and 4 only
• Statement 1 – Correct: Bundibugyo virus is an Orthoebolavirus that causes Bundibugyo virus disease.
• Statement 2 – Incorrect: Ervebo® is licensed for Ebola virus disease caused by EBOV, not specifically for Bundibugyo virus disease.
• Statement 3 – Correct: Pteropodidae fruit bats are considered likely natural hosts.
• Statement 4 – Correct: Early intensive supportive care, including rehydration and symptom management, improves survival prospects.