Understanding Ebola’s wildlife origins is crucial to preventing next big outbreak
Summary
There is a current outbreak of the Bundibugyo virus, a type of Ebola, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with over 1,250 cases and at least 362 deaths. Scientists do not yet fully understand where the virus comes from in nature, which makes preventing future outbreaks difficult.Key Facts
- The Bundibugyo virus causes severe symptoms including headaches, diarrhea, kidney and liver failure, and sometimes bleeding.
- The virus can still spread after the infected person dies, especially during traditional funeral practices.
- There is no proven vaccine for Bundibugyo virus, so controlling the outbreak relies on isolating patients and tracking their contacts.
- Bundibugyo is related to the Zaire Ebola virus, responsible for past Ebola outbreaks and the 2014-2016 West Africa epidemic.
- It is not confirmed which wild animals carry Bundibugyo virus; bats are suspected but unproven as the source.
- Other animals like forest antelopes, gorillas, chimpanzees, and pigs may also play roles in spreading Ebola viruses.
- Understanding how these viruses live and spread in wildlife is complicated by challenges in collecting samples and political instability in affected regions.
- Reduced funding for health research in some countries hinders the ability to investigate and prevent outbreaks.
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