New Ebola outbreak: what we know and why the scientific community is on alert

According to the latest available data, the outbreak has led to more than 300 suspected cases and between 80 and 90 deaths. However, health authorities warn that the actual figures may be higher due to surveillance challenges in the affected areas.

What is Ebola?

Ebola is a severe and potentially fatal infectious disease caused by viruses of the Orthoebolavirus genus. First identified in 1976, it has caused multiple outbreaks, mainly in Africa.

It is a viral haemorrhagic fever that can affect various organs and systems in the body. The average fatality rate is around 50%, although this can vary depending on the outbreak and access to healthcare.

How is Ebola transmitted?

The virus is not airborne, unlike some respiratory pathogens. Infection occurs through:

• Direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids or tissues of an infected person
• Contact with contaminated surfaces or objects
• Handling of bodies without protection during funeral rituals
• Contact with infected animals (particularly in the early stages of an outbreak)

Transmission begins once symptoms appear, and the risk increases as the disease progresses. This makes early detection and isolation key to controlling its spread.

Symptoms of Ebola

Early symptoms can be confused with other infections, making early diagnosis difficult:

• Fever
• Muscle pain
• Severe fatigue
• Headache

As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:

• Vomiting and diarrhoea
• Abdominal pain
• Skin rashes
• Internal and external bleeding

In severe cases, it can lead to multi-organ failure.

Bundibugyo virus: a less common Ebola strain

This outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a relatively uncommon strain of Ebola. Unlike other strains, such as Zaire ebolavirus, there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for this variant, complicating containment efforts.

How did the outbreak begin?

The first cases were detected in Ituri province in eastern DRC, particularly in areas with intense mining activity and high population mobility. From there, the virus has spread to nearby locations such as Bunia and Rwampara, and even to larger cities, partly due to people travelling in search of medical care.

Imported cases have also been reported in Kampala (Uganda) and Kinshasa, the capital of the DRC, confirming the risk of regional and cross-border transmission.

Why is this outbreak a concern?

Several factors have put the scientific community on high alert:

• Lack of a specific vaccine for this strain
• High population mobility in border areas
• Insecurity and armed conflict in the outbreak’s origin area, hindering the health response
• Limited healthcare resources
• Rapid spread to densely populated urban areas

All of these factors increase the risk of rapid expansion and make the outbreak more difficult to contain.

What is the global risk?

Despite the seriousness of the situation, WHO has stated that the outbreak does not currently meet the criteria to be classified as a pandemic.

However, the organisation emphasises that declaring an international emergency aims to mobilise resources, strengthen global coordination and accelerate the response to prevent further spread.

Outside Central Africa, the risk to the general population is considered low, although international surveillance remains in place, particularly for travellers from affected areas.

The importance of research and rapid response

This new outbreak once again highlights the need to:

• Invest in research to develop vaccines for all virus variants
• Strengthen epidemiological surveillance systems
• تعزيز international collaboration

Ebola is not a new disease, but each outbreak presents new scientific and logistical challenges. Rapid detection, transparent communication and global cooperation remain the most effective tools to contain it.