What do we know about the rare Ebola virus strain

The World Health Organization has declared a public health emergency of international concern after a rare strain of Ebola virus, known as Bundibugyo, spread across parts of Central Africa.

Most reported cases have emerged in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with more than 100 suspected deaths and nearly 400 suspected infections recorded as of Monday. Cases have also been reported in Uganda.

Bundibugyo Ebola was first identified in Uganda’s Bundibugyo district during an outbreak in 2007-08 and later resurfaced in Congo in 2012. According to studies, the strain has a fatality rate of around 30 to 40 per cent, lower than the more common Zaire strain, which can kill up to 90pc of infected patients.

Health experts say the virus spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected humans or animals, as well as contaminated surfaces. Symptoms initially resemble flu-like illness, including fever, fatigue, muscle pain and sore throat, before progressing to vomiting, diarrhoea, internal bleeding and organ failure.

The WHO said there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments specifically for Bundibugyo Ebola, although several experimental therapies and vaccines are under study.

Medical experts warned that limited testing capacity delayed early detection of the outbreak, allowing infections to spread across transport routes and borders.

Authorities are relying on rapid case detection, isolation, contact tracing and community awareness campaigns to contain the outbreak.