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"the level of severity of this outbreak is unprecedented"
A rare and lethal virus strain has broken out in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in central Africa - spreading like no other similar viral strains in recent times. It is reported to be a strain of hemorrhagic fever known as the Bundibugyo virus. According to the Director General of Africa CDC Dr. Jean Kasaya, "the level of severity of this outbreak is unprecedented". In a news conference on August 6th 2026, the African Center for Disease Control has reported that by week 11 into the Bundibugyo virus outbreak, the disease has caused approximately 8.4 times more confirmed cases, and 6.1 times more deaths compared to previous deadly disease outbreaks in Africa in their 11th week - one such instance being the 2018-2020 Ebola outbreak.
The two radial graphs demonstrate the drastic nature of this outbreak in comparison to previous deadly viral outbreaks in the region. On the left in the green shows number of confirmed cases by week 11 of the outbreak, and the red graph on the right shows the number of deaths by week 11. As of now it is reported that the virus does not spread through the air, but rather only on surfaces and through direct contact with infected individuals or even the deceased victims of the virus. The very high case fatality rate is the major cause for concern in this outbreak.
The U.S. CDC has issued a level 3 travel warning - urging any individuals to reconsider nonessential travel to the area. The symptoms are reported to cause unexplained bleeding and bruising, muscle pain, weakness, vomiting, headache and fever. The World Health Organization has reported the virus to be zoonotic, suspected but not confirmed to have originally come from fruit bats.
According to W.H.O. officials, the incubation period of this disease is anywhere from just 2 days to 22 days. However fortunately, an infected individual does not become infectious to others until they appear to be showing symptoms. The Africa CDC has stated in their press conference that they do not yet have a definitive treatment or cure, they are currently running trials to determine if an existing vaccine, the vaccine for Ebola Zaire virus strain made by Merck & Co, Inc. However, there is a new vaccine currently in trials being created by the Serum Institute of India.
On August 15th, 2026 the Africa CDC said this about the current situation with the outbreak,
"Since 15 May, the response to Ebola in the DRC has been a story of determination, solidarity and collective action.
Health workers, responders, partners and communities continue to work together to stop transmission and save lives.
Three months on, the commitment remains strong.
The response continues.
#EbolaResponse #AfricaReady #AfricaResponds"