Bundibugyo Virus, a Rare Ebola Strain, is Spreading. Here’s What to Know

How does Ebola spread? Is it airborne, like COVID, Hantavirus, or the flu?

Dr. Pereira: No. Ebola can only spread if someone comes into direct contact with bodily fluids of someone who was infected with, or died from, Ebola. Bodily fluids include blood, urine, vomit, saliva, sweat, or feces.  

Direct contact means the bodily fluids of an infected person need to enter another person’s body, usually through a cut or through mucous membranes in the nose, eyes or mouth. Just touching the bodily fluid won’t spread the disease, but if you then wipe your eye or your nose, you may risk transmitting the disease.  

There is no evidence of mosquitoes ever spreading the Ebola virus. 

If someone has Ebola but doesn’t show any symptoms, are they contagious?

Dr. Pereira: Ebola only spreads when someone sick with the virus starts to show symptoms. Patients cannot spread the virus during the incubation period, meaning the time between when they were infected and when they show symptoms. This period is usually about eight to 10 days. 

Does this mean someone with early symptoms of Ebola, like fever or body aches, is contagious?

Dr. Pereira: Yes, but it’s important to note that the level of contagiousness is far higher when someone shows late symptoms, like persistent vomiting, diarrhea, and bleeding. Additionally, the bodies of deceased people infected with Ebola can be highly contagious — this is in part responsible for driving Ebola outbreaks.

Are there vaccines for Ebola? What is the treatment?

Dr. Pereira:There is no vaccine for this particular species of Ebola, Bundibugyo, but there are two FDA approved treatments for the Zaire species of Ebola. Similarly, there are no specific treatments for the Bundibugy virus.

In this case, treatment will generally focus on giving fluids and medications to reduce vomiting and diarrhea, manage fever and pain, and generally treat the symptoms. Research is ongoing on a vaccine and treatments for the Bundibugyo virus.   

Is there anything else to know about the Bundibugyo strain?

Dr. Pereira: Aside from the lack of current treatments and vaccines, this virus fortunately seems to be less fatal (at around 30%) than the Zaire Ebola virus (historically 60-90%). On the other hand, we know less about this virus since it has not caused outbreaks as large as the Zaire virus.

Am I at risk for Ebola? 

Dr. Pereira: Right now, the people most at risk for Ebola are frontline healthcare workers, caregivers, and family members who currently live and work in the concentrated outbreak zones. There are currently no confirmed cases in the United States, and the risk for New Yorkers remains low. 

Where is this Ebola outbreak?

Dr. Pereira: The Ebola outbreak is current concentrated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.  

Is it safe to travel internationally?

Dr. Pereira: It is currently safe to travel internationally, although it depends on the destination. The risk is higher when travelling to Central African countries. If you are considering international travel, it is important to stay updated on this outbreak. 

How long could this outbreak last?

Dr. Pereira: It is not possible to know how long this outbreak could last, but there are some concerning signs that the virus is spreading rapidly in that region. There are also many challenges, including the remote nature of the region, a large migrant population travelling between nearby countries, and the overall lack of health care resources. On the other hand, public health authorities learned a lot from the major outbreak between 2013  and 2016 and are taking measures to contain the spread of the virus.