Regional #Signals Preceding the 2026 #Bundibugyo Virus Disease #Outbreak

 

Highlights

    • Bundibugyo virus circulated undetected for months prior to outbreak declaration.

    • Four earlier regional hemorrhagic fever clusters flagged by open surveillance are unresolved.

    • These clusters warrant urgent reanalysis due to concern for regional spread.

Abstract

Background

The May 2026 Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern after substantial undetected community transmission. We describe regional surveillance signals detected by the Biothreats Emergence, Analysis, and Communications Network (BEACON), our open access event based surveillance program, in the weeks preceding outbreak declaration.

Methods

We reviewed BEACON reports of VHF-compatible illness clusters detected in the transboundary DRC-Uganda-Burundi-South Sudan region during March–April 2026, prior to the May 15 laboratory confirmation of BDBV.

Results

BEACON detected four temporally proximal VHF-compatible illness signals: (1) March 9, North Kivu Province—suspected Ebola case under investigation with unresolved laboratory results; (2) March 10, Kasaï Province—fatal hemorrhagic illness with secondary cases and negative Ebola PCR; (3) March 30, Burundi—35-case undiagnosed cluster near the DRC border with 5 deaths, negative testing for major filoviruses and >200 pathogens, pending metagenomic sequencing; (4) April 22, South Sudan—three suspected VHF cases with negative initial testing. All four signals shared a similar diagnostic phenotype: VHF-compatible presentation, mobilization of investigation teams, negative initial testing, and no publicly reported confirmed etiology. None were formally reported to have been resolved.

Conclusions

Our detection of four unresolved VHF signals preceding the confirmed BDBV outbreak highlights gaps in formal follow-up mechanisms for negative cases and fragmented regional diagnostic coordination. In light of confirmed BDBV circulation and Africa CDC's identification of 10 countries at high risk for spread, these preceding signals warrant urgent retrospective investigation and laboratory.

Source: 

Link: https://www.ijidonline.com/article/S1201-9712(26)00497-2/fulltext

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Media #Update on Temporary #Border #Measures in Response to the #Ebola Disease #Outbreak (PHAC, May 31 '26)

 

Statement | May 30, 2026 | Ottawa, ON

    The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has introduced temporary border measures under the Quarantine Act to reduce the risk of introduction and spread of Ebola disease in Canada. 

    These measures are in effect from May 30 at 23:59 p.m. EDT until August 29, 2026. 

    The temporary border measures are out of an abundance of caution, as the health risk to people in Canada from Ebola disease is considered low.

    As announced on May 26, 2026, travellers, including Canadian citizens, permanent residents, persons registered under the Indian Act, and foreign nationals, entering Canada who have been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda or South Sudan within the previous 21 days will be assessed upon arrival and required to follow specific public health measures.

    Travellers who are eligible to enter Canada must also have a suitable quarantine plan in place before arrival, including access to a location where they can safely stay for 21 days, avoid close contact with others, and obtain essential services such as food, medication and public health support. 

    Those without symptoms will be required to proceed directly to their quarantine location and remain there for 21 days. 

    Individuals without a suitable plan will be provided with an appropriate quarantine location, such as a hotel, where they will be regularly monitored.

    During quarantine, individuals must stay at their designated location, monitor for symptoms daily and report their health status to public health authorities. 

    PHAC Quarantine Officers will provide clear information to all travellers who must quarantine, including what to do if they develop symptoms.

    Travellers who exhibit symptoms of Ebola disease will receive an immediate medical assessment and be placed in isolation at a medical facility or other appropriate location that the quarantine officer determines to be suitable. 

    They will remain in isolation for 21 days from their date of entry to Canada or from the onset of symptoms, whichever is later and until they no longer present a public health risk. 

    Until then, the traveller must follow all instructions provided by the quarantine officer. 

    Additional details are now available at canada.ca/ebola-disease.

    The Government of Canada continues to take a precautionary approach to protect the health and safety of Canadians. These temporary measures support early detection and help limit the potential spread of Ebola disease in Canada.

Source: 

Link: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/news/2026/05/media-update-on-temporary-border-measures-in-response-to-the-ebola-disease-outbreak.html

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South #Sudan declares #mpox #outbreak

Juba, 7 February 2025—Today the Ministry of Health has declared a mpox outbreak in Juba, Central Equatoria State. This declaration follows a confirmation mpox Case by the National Public Health Laboratory on 6 February 2025.

“The first case was reported on 6 February 2025 at Gudele Hospital from a Ugandan national and a resident of Kupuri Camp in Juba. The confirmed case is under isolation and is being managed at Gudele Hospital”, said the Acting Health Minister, Honorable James Hoth Mai, in a press conference in Juba. 

A team of experts from national and subnational levels, WHO, and other partners have been mobilized to conduct a detailed field investigation, list all contacts, and ensure close follow-up, Hon. Mai added.

He also added that the Ministry of Health and WHO have taken steps to manage the reported case properly, ensuring that every contact on the ground is followed. He assured the citizens not to panic but to stay calm and follow safety measures that the government is committed to stopping the spread of mpox in South Sudan.

Addressing the press conference, Dr Humphrey Karamagi, WHO Country  Representative in South Sudan, commended the Ministry of Health for declaring the outbreak. 

The announcement enables the public to take prevention measures, helps health partners take the necessary steps to contain the outbreak, and unlocks the required resources for fighting the outbreak. 

The confirmation of mpox in South Sudan showcases the national capabilities that WHO is proud to have significantly supported, said Dr Karamagi.

With this outbreak, South Sudan becomes the 22nd country to be affected in the African region. After this confirmation, my team will support the referral of the positive sample to WHO-collaborating laboratories for sequencing and genetic characterization of the Mpox virus detected in the country.

Dr Karamagi further reiterated WHO’s commitment to assisting the South Sudanese government and partners in enhancing disease surveillance, improving response coordination, and ensuring the availability of supplies. This includes supporting case management, laboratory testing, sample collection, transportation, and follow-up.

“Thanks to funding from our donors, WHO deployed experts and provided technical and logistical support,” said Dr Karamagi.

With the support of WHO, the Ministry has activated the Public Health Emergency Operations Center and prepared to coordinate responses to Mpox outbreaks, following the WHO guidelines. 

An Incident Manager and key health officials have been assigned to monitor five main entry points into South Sudan for suspected Mpox cases from high-risk neighboring countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda, and Kenya. 

All healthcare providers, including those in private practice, are receiving training on recognizing and responding to Mpox symptoms. We are developing a laboratory network and have tested samples from 141 suspected cases. 

New testing methods have been implemented, guaranteeing accurate results via external quality checks. 

Recent tests showed a 100% success rate, and our laboratory excelled in proficiency assessments. Moreover, 40 clinicians have received training in Mpox case management to ensure effective treatment and bolster our readiness for any possible Mpox outbreaks in South Sudan.

The Hon. Minister also urged the communities to practice good and safe behaviors, such as avoiding close contact with an infected person, using personal protective equipment when caring for patients, not sharing bedding, clothing, towels, or utensils with sick people, practicing hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, isolate infected patients, avoid contact with wild animals and cook all food containing fresh animal meat before eating.

He urged health workers to remain vigilant with high index suspicious for mpox, adhere to infection prevention and control measures, follow standard operating procedures, and report suspected cases for further investigation. 

The press conference was attended by the media, high-level government officials, and partners, among others.

Source: World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, https://www.afro.who.int/countries/south-sudan/news/south-sudan-declares-mpox-outbreak

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