Bundibugyo virus detection during an Ebola virus disease outbreak in the democratic Republic of the Congo: an urgent call for action

Ebola virus disease continues to pose a major public health threat in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with outbreaks caused by different Ebola virus species, including Bundibugyo virus. We report preliminary information from an ongoing outbreak investigation based on laboratory testing conducted by the National Institute of Biomedical Research. Among suspected cases in Ituri province, 8 of 13 samples tested positive for Ebola virus (Bundibugyo species). The number of deaths reported among suspected cases is still under investigation, and full epidemiological data remain incomplete. These findings highlight the circulation of Bundibugyo virus and emphasize the urgent need to strengthen surveillance, diagnostic capacity, and coordinated outbreak response in affected regions.