More than 130 deaths have been reported in central Africa as a rare type of Ebola spread in the region.
BUNIA, Democratic Republic of the Congo — A rare type of Ebola virus that originated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is causing concern among the World Health Organization over the “scare and speed” of the outbreak.
More than 130 deaths have been reported, and there are at least 500 suspected cases. The virus spread undetected for weeks after the first known death. During that time, authorities tested for a more common type of Ebola and came up negative, health experts and aid workers said.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said he was “deeply concerned about the scale and speed of the epidemic,” adding that the U.N. health agency would convene its emergency committee later Tuesday. He pointed to the emergence of cases in urban areas, the deaths of healthcare workers and significant population movement.
How does Ebola spread?
Ebola is highly contagious and can be contracted via bodily fluids such as vomit, blood or semen. The disease it causes is rare but severe and often fatal. During an outbreak more than a decade ago that killed more than 11,000 people, many were infected while washing bodies during community funerals.
“Ebola is very much a disease of compassion in that it impacts the people who are more likely to be taking care of sick folks,” said Dr. Craig Spencer, an associate professor at the Brown University School of Public Health who survived Ebola more than a decade ago after contracting it in Guinea.
What are the symptoms for Ebola?
Ebola causes fever, headache, muscle pain, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain and unexplained bleeding or bruising.
The severity of the symptoms and the rising caseload were fueling growing panic in Bunia neighborhoods.
Resident Noëla Lumo previously lived in Beni, a region hit by former outbreaks. When she heard about the latest one, she began making protective masks by hand.
“I know the consequences of Ebola—I know what it’s like,” she said.
Are there any treatments for Ebola?
There are no approved medications to treat the Bundibugyo virus or vaccines to prevent it.
From the few outbreaks health experts have seen, Bundibugyo might be slightly less deadly than what is often called Zaire virus, the most common species.
“I think a 30%-plus mortality rate is still quite scary, but it’s hard to say with a lot of precision because we don’t have a lot of experience,” Gounder said.
In the other two Bundibugyo outbreaks, initial cases were identified early, Ksiazek said, allowing for a quick public health response: getting healthcare workers proper protective equipment, finding and isolating people who were exposed and offering supportive medical care to patients.
Proper medical care “reduces mortality significantly,” he said.
Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.