Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), Faculty of Health Sciences, Nutrition and Dietetics Department academic staff member and Microbiology Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tevhide Ziver Sarp released a statement, commenting and evaluating on the current Ebola outbreak. The statement reads as follows:
“Current Ebola Outbreak: A Challenging Battle”
“The Ebola outbreak that surfaced in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda in May 2026 remains under close observation by international health organizations. Investigations have identified the Bundibugyo ebolavirus, a less frequently encountered species than the Zaire and Sudan ebolaviruses, as the cause of the outbreak. Data released by the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that the Democratic Republic of the Congo, regarded as the outbreak’s epicenter, has recorded hundreds of confirmed cases and dozens of deaths, while Uganda continues to report new cases.
The spread of the outbreak in densely populated regions characterized by significant cross-border mobility has complicated both contact tracing efforts and case management. In addition, the lack of an approved vaccine and a targeted treatment for the Bundibugyo ebolavirus represents a major challenge in bringing the outbreak under control. As a result, the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda as a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)”.
WHO emphasizes that early diagnosis, effective contact tracing, strict implementation of infection prevention, and accurate public awareness are essential for controlling the outbreak. Although there have been no confirmed reports of local transmission outside Africa, the risk associated with international travel calls for ongoing vigilance at the global level. Therefore, countries are encouraged to continue strengthening their outbreak preparedness, while individuals showing signs of Ebola should seek medical attention without delay and closely follow the guidance provided by official health authorities.
What Is Ebola Virus Disease?
Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a severe viral illness caused by members of the Filoviridae family and is associated with a high case fatality rate. Four species of the Ebola virus are known to cause disease in humans: Zaire ebolavirus, Sudan ebolavirus, Bundibugyo ebolavirus, and Taï Forest ebolavirus.
The Ebola virus is transmitted through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected individual, including saliva, vomit, feces, urine, sweat, breast milk, and semen. Transmission may also occur through contact with infected animals or by exposure to objects and surfaces contaminated with infectious bodily fluids.
The symptoms of Ebola virus disease typically develop between 2 and 21 days after exposure to the virus. The illness usually begins with the sudden onset of high fever, weakness, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint pain, and sore throat. As the disease progresses, patients may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and skin rash. In severe cases, the infection can lead to hemorrhage, circulatory impairment, shock, multiple organ failure, and ultimately death.
The diagnosis of Ebola virus disease is based on a combination of clinical findings and a patient’s potential exposure history, with definitive confirmation achieved through laboratory testing. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is the most commonly used diagnostic method, while antigen detection and serological tests may also be used to support the diagnosis.
Treatment of Ebola virus disease is largely based on supportive care measures. Patients receive fluid and electrolyte supplementation together with oxygen support when indicated, and clinical management aims to control symptoms and improve overall outcomes. While targeted therapies have been introduced for some Ebola virus species, there is currently no specific treatment or approved effective vaccine for infections caused by the Bundibugyo ebolavirus.
Preventing Ebola virus disease relies heavily on early diagnosis, timely isolation of cases, effective contact tracing, and accurate public awareness. Additional key preventive measures include the proper use of personal protective equipment by healthcare workers, avoiding direct contact with the blood and other bodily fluids of infected individuals, maintaining strict hand hygiene, and ensuring the implementation of safe burial practices.
In conclusion, as of May 2026, the ongoing Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda continues to pose a significant public health challenge due to the rising number of cases, the potential for cross-border transmission, and its high case fatality rate. Early case detection, comprehensive contact tracing, the effective implementation of infection prevention and control measures, and clear public communication remain the cornerstones of outbreak containment. Although WHO currently considers the risk of widespread international transmission to be low, sustained surveillance, strengthened preparedness and response capacities, and continuous monitoring by national health authorities remain essential to preventing further spread and ensuring effective outbreak management.”
