A health worker in Mongbwalu, Democratic Republic of Congo, recently gathered medication for patients suspected of having the Bundibugyo virus. This event marks ongoing efforts to address a challenging outbreak.

Trials are beginning for several drugs that have shown promise in preliminary studies against this virus. Health workers in a makeshift Ebola treatment center in Rwampara, Democratic Republic of Congo, are actively addressing patient needs. Dr. Papys Lame and colleagues are involved in rehydrating patients, managing uncontrollable bleeding, and assisting those in respiratory distress. Monitoring patients’ heart rates and blood pressure, as well as alleviating severe pain, are top priorities.

Dr. Lame, the Ebola response coordinator for the Alliance for International Medical Action, observes progress. He notes that current practices signify an improvement from methods used just five years ago. “Today we have more options, and more people survive,” he stated.

Despite advancements, a specific treatment for the Bundibugyo virus remains elusive. The current outbreak in East Africa has resulted in 695 infections and 138 deaths. Scientists are working diligently to find effective drugs.

Challenges in Developing Treatments

While treatments exist for Ebola virus, they are not necessarily effective against the Bundibugyo virus due to significant evolutionary differences. Over the past five decades, most Ebola disease outbreaks were caused by the Ebola virus. The World Health Organization endorses two specific drugs for Ebola virus treatment based on clinical trials.

However, success with one virus does not equate to success with another, posing a significant challenge in treating the current outbreak.

A soldier checks temperatures outside the hospital in Mongbwalu.

This snapshot of ongoing efforts highlights both progress and challenges in combating the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo.