Bundibugo Strain (Ebola Outbreak)

Why in News?

Recently, WHO has officially declared Ebola outbreak in Uganda & Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as Public Health Emergency of International Concern. (PHEIC)

Under International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), PHEIC is defined as a public health risk to other States through the international spread of disease & requires a coordinated international response.

• Reason for such move – Due to Cross- Border Transmission.
• Epicenter of Outbreak - Ituri Province (DRC) bordering Uganda & South Sudan

2026 Outbreak

• Responsible variant – Unlike Zaire ebolavirus, this outbreak is caused by rarer Bundibugyo Ebolavirus (BDBV) Strain.
• No Licensed Vaccines or specific therapeutics like - Monoclonal antibodies are available. Existing vaccines like Ervebo can target only Zaire Strain.
• Death rate – BDBV exhibits less fatality rate than Zaire variant.

Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)  

• Also known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever,is a fatal illness in human caused by Orthoebalvirus.
• Cause of Transmission – Fruit bats (Pteropodidae Family) Hosts of the virus.
• Transmission –Through human to human close contact with blood, secretions, organs, broken skin, Sweat, saliva, Vomit, urine, semen, needles, Beddings &  traditional burial practices of deceased  Ebola victim.
• Infected animal’s fluids - like fruit bats, Monkeys, Gorillas & Chimpanzees.
• Nature – Infected people are not contagious until they develop symptoms & incubation period ranges from 2 to 21 days.
• Symptoms – Fever, muscle pain, headache, fatigue & sore throat, Vomiting, diarrhea, rash & malfunctioning of kidney & Liver function.
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  Treatment Protocol for Bundibugyo Strain

For Reference : The Hindu | IAS Parliament