Rare Ebola strain spreading in Congo and Uganda triggers international health emergency as experts warn of high mortality risk
Delhi: Fresh global health concerns have emerged after the World Health Organization officially declared the ongoing Ebola outbreak caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus strain in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
The development comes as health authorities worldwide remain cautious following the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, with experts warning that the current Ebola outbreak carries a high mortality risk and currently has no licensed vaccine or virus-specific treatment available.
According to WHO data, the outbreak has already resulted in hundreds of suspected cases and dozens of deaths across affected African regions, with confirmed cross-border spread from Congo into Uganda.
Rare Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Has No Approved Vaccine
Health experts stated that the current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a relatively rare form of the virus first identified in Uganda in 2007.
Unlike some other Ebola strains, there is currently no officially approved vaccine or specific antiviral treatment available for the Bundibugyo virus.
Medical experts have warned that the virus carries a high fatality rate, although they stressed that it is far less transmissible than Covid-19 because it does not spread through the air.
According to WHO and public health officials, Ebola transmission occurs mainly through direct contact with the blood, body fluids or contaminated materials of infected individuals. Fruit bats are believed to be the natural reservoir of the virus.
“There is currently no licensed vaccine or specific therapeutics against Bundibugyo virus,” the WHO stated while issuing its emergency assessment.
Ebola Symptoms Include Fever, Vomiting, and Organ Failure
Doctors warned that early Ebola symptoms often resemble common viral infections, making early detection difficult.
Initial symptoms include high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, vomiting and diarrhea. In severe cases, patients may develop liver failure, lung complications and internal bleeding.
WHO officials stated that early supportive treatment, rapid isolation and strict infection control remain crucial for improving survival rates during outbreaks.
India Reviews Preparedness Amid Ebola Emergency
Although no Ebola cases have been reported in India so far, the outbreak has prompted Indian health authorities to review preparedness and surveillance measures.
Reports indicate that the Union Health Ministry recently conducted high-level discussions with states and Union Territories regarding monitoring systems, hospital preparedness and international traveller screening.
Medical experts have advised strict monitoring of travellers arriving from high-risk African countries, including Congo and Uganda.
Health authorities have also emphasised airport screening, quarantine preparedness and rapid response protocols if suspected cases emerge.
At present, experts say there is no reason for panic in India, but caution and global surveillance remain essential as the outbreak continues to evolve.
