Epidemiology of Ebola virus disease and the potential for importation into Korea

Purpose: Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a severe and frequently fatal illness caused by orthoebolaviruses. In May 2026, an outbreak of Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, renewing global attention. This article reviews the epidemiology, virological characteristics, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of EVD and assesses the likelihood of importation into Korea and the implications for preparedness.Current concepts: The genus Orthoebolavirus comprises 6 species. Ebola virus, Sudan virus, and Bundibugyo virus are highly lethal human pathogens. Taï Forest virus has caused one documented nonfatal human disease case, and Reston virus has been associated with inapparent human infection without confirmed human disease. Diagnosis relies on reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and management centers on aggressive supportive care. Currently licensed vaccines and monoclonal antibody therapeutics primarily target Zaire ebolavirus, leaving a critical countermeasure gap for Sudan virus and Bundibugyo virus outbreaks.Discussion and conclusion: Although the probability of EVD importation into Korea is low, imported cases reported in nonendemic countries during the current outbreak show that the risk is not zero. Preparedness should be organized by pathogen species. For Z. ebolavirus, access to and stockpiling of Ervebo and the monoclonal antibodies Inmazeb and Ebanga should be maintained. For Sudan and Bundibugyo viruses, for which no licensed countermeasures exist, rapid diagnosis, high-level isolation, aggressive supportive care, and pathways to investigational products are essential. Korea should also pursue a proactive international role through emergency medical team deployment and engagement in vaccine development and manufacturing.