Bundibugyo ebolavirus outbreak highlights spillover risks and vaccine gaps in western Uganda (news.mongabay.com)

• Bundibugyo ebolavirus is ~32% genetically divergent from Zaire strain; existing vaccines and antibodies likely ineffective.
• Frequent human-bat contact in western Uganda elevates spillover risk; bats are hunted and consumed.
• WHO declared outbreak a PHEIC; Africa CDC warns ten additional countries; nearly 1,000 suspected cases in DRC.

"In western Uganda, near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, the rare Bundibugyo ebolavirus is spreading. Experts warn that frequent human-bat interactions increase spillover risk. Existing vaccines and treatments developed for the Zaire ebolavirus likely offer little protection. The DRC has nearly 1,000 suspected cases, Uganda reports seven confirmed cases. Africa CDC identified ten other African countries at risk. The virus's genetic diversity requires specific diagnostic and countermeasures."