What is the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola – and how is it different?

• An outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in Congo has taken 131 lives, highlighting concerns over a less common but highly dangerous form of the virus.
• While the Zaire strain is widely recognised for causing the largest Ebola epidemics, Bundibugyo presents its own significant threat, typically resulting in a fatality rate of 30-50 per cent among those infected.
• First identified in Uganda in 2007, the Bundibugyo virus has previously triggered two other outbreaks in the Congo River basin region, yet no vaccines or treatments for the strain currently exist.
• Like other Ebola viruses, Bundibugyo spreads through close contact with the bodily fluids – such as sweat, blood, faeces, or vomit – of sick or deceased patients. Health care workers and family members providing care are identified by experts as facing the highest risk of infection.
• Public health teams are now focused on isolating new cases, while experts are simultaneously emphasising safe burial practices and adequate protective equipment for healthcare professionals as crucial measures to control the virus’ spread.