Kathmandu— A recent study published in Nature Medicine has identified a new variant of the Bundibugyo virus, responsible for the 2026 Ebola outbreak affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) and Uganda. While the Bundibugyo strain is not newly discovered – having caused outbreaks in both countries previously – researchers determined this latest instance originated from a novel transmission event from an animal host to humans, rather than a resurgence of earlier strains. The analysis was based on genomic sequencing of viral samples collected from infected individuals, revealing a distinct genetic cluster separate from those seen in past epidemics.

Genetic Analysis Reveals New Strain

Researchers analyzed 22 viral genomes obtained from patients in DR Congo and Uganda, discovering they formed a unique genetic cluster. This finding indicates the current outbreak stems from a new animal-to-human transmission of the virus, rather than being a continuation of previously known Ebola strains circulating in the region. The specific animal source responsible for this spillover event remains unidentified.

Outbreak Severity and Spread

The World Health Organization (WHO) has characterized the current outbreak as the largest Ebola epidemic ever recorded in DR Congo, exceeding the scale of the 2018-2020 outbreak. As of August 10th, the disease had spread across 53 health zones within five provinces of the DR Congo, with Ituri province serving as the primary epicenter. The country’s Health Ministry has reported a total of 4,449 confirmed cases and 2,061 deaths, resulting in a fatality rate of 46.3%. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus recently cautioned that the disease is spreading at a pace exceeding containment efforts.

Regional Impact and Containment

Neighboring Uganda declared itself Ebola-free last month after successfully containing an outbreak involving 20 cases, with 15 of those being imported from DR Congo. Of those 20 cases, two resulted in fatalities, while 18 individuals recovered. The study underscores the importance of cross-border surveillance and rapid response measures to prevent further spread.

Call for Enhanced Surveillance

The researchers emphasize the need for increased local diagnostic capabilities and expanded genomic surveillance programs. These improvements would enable earlier detection of future outbreaks, facilitating a more effective and timely response. Bundibugyo virus belongs to the same family as the Zaire ebolavirus, which is known to be carried by fruit bats and transmitted through contact with infected animals or bodily fluids.

The ongoing outbreak in DR Congo remains a significant public health concern, requiring sustained international collaboration and investment in local healthcare infrastructure. Further research is crucial to identify the animal reservoir of the Bundibugyo virus and develop effective prevention strategies.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.