By Adaobi Rhema Oguejiofor
In late April 2026, a nurse in Bunia, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), developed a fever and died days later. Laboratory tests soon confirmed the return of one of the world’s deadliest diseases: Ebola. The discovery revived painful memories of previous outbreaks that devastated African communities and claimed thousands of lives. More than a decade after West Africa experienced the largest Ebola epidemic in history, the virus has once again emerged as a significant public health concern.
As the world continues to recover from the lessons of COVID-19 and monitor other emerging diseases, the latest Ebola outbreak serves as a reminder that infectious diseases remain a persistent global threat. This outbreak has attracted international attention because it involves the Bundibugyo species of Ebola virus, one of the rarest forms of the disease.
A Deadly Virus
Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is among the world’s most feared infectious diseases due to its high mortality rates and severe impact on affected communities. The virus is believed to originate in animals, particularly fruit bats, and can spread to humans through contact with infected wildlife. Human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with bodily fluids such as blood, saliva, vomit, sweat, and urine. Symptoms typically appear between two and 21 days after infection and often begin with fever, headaches, fatigue, muscle pain, and weakness. As the illness progresses, patients may experience vomiting, diarrhoea, severe dehydration, and, in some cases, internal and external bleeding. Without prompt treatment, Ebola can lead to organ failure and death.
Historically, outbreaks were largely confined to remote rural communities. However, rapid urbanisation, environmental changes, and increasing human interaction with wildlife are creating new opportunities for the virus to spread.
Why This Outbreak Matters
The current outbreak is particularly concerning because it is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, first identified in Uganda in 2007. Although it is generally less deadly than the Zaire strain, with mortality rates around one-third of infected patients, it presents unique challenges. One major concern is the absence of an approved vaccine specifically designed for the Bundibugyo strain. Vaccines played a critical role in controlling recent Ebola outbreaks, but health workers currently lack a proven vaccine tailored to this variant. Scientists are evaluating experimental vaccines and investigating whether existing Ebola vaccines may provide some protection.
Treatment options are also limited. Researchers are studying the antiviral drug obeldesivir, originally developed during the COVID-19 era, to determine whether it can help prevent infection among people exposed to Ebola patients.
Health officials believe the virus circulated undetected for several weeks before being identified. The first confirmed patient, a nurse in Bunia, developed symptoms on April 24 and later died. His body was transported to Mongbwalu for burial, and authorities believe funeral activities may have contributed significantly to the spread of the disease. This is a familiar challenge. Traditional burial practices involving close contact with the deceased have played a major role in previous Ebola outbreaks. Consequently, health authorities and community leaders have intensified public awareness campaigns on safe burial practices, hygiene, and infection prevention measures.
A Test of Global Health Preparedness
Beyond the immediate outbreak, Ebola’s return highlights a broader challenge facing global health systems. Experts warn that infectious disease outbreaks are becoming more frequent as human activities continue to reshape the natural environment. Deforestation, climate change, rapid urbanisation, population growth, and increased contact between humans and wildlife create opportunities for viruses to jump from animals to people. These “spillover” events have been linked to several major disease outbreaks in recent decades. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how quickly a local health emergency can become a global crisis. While Ebola spreads differently and is far less contagious than respiratory viruses, its resurgence underscores the importance of constant vigilance and preparedness.
In Nigeria, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has assured the public that there are currently no confirmed Ebola cases in the country. However, the agency has intensified preparedness measures following outbreaks in the DRC and Uganda. NCDC Director-General Dr. Jide Idris stated that a comprehensive risk assessment classified the likelihood of Ebola importation into Nigeria as “high” due to regional transmission, population movement, porous borders, and the possibility of delayed diagnosis because Ebola symptoms can resemble malaria and Lassa fever.
Lessons for the Future
The latest Ebola outbreak is more than a regional health emergency; it is a warning to the global community. It highlights the need for sustained investment in vaccine research, disease surveillance, healthcare infrastructure, and rapid-response systems capable of protecting vulnerable populations. More than a decade after West Africa’s devastating Ebola epidemic and several years after the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped global health priorities, the world is once again reminded that infectious diseases remain an ever-present threat. Ebola may not become the next pandemic, but its return reinforces a crucial lesson: preparedness cannot begin when an outbreak starts. It must exist long before the first patient falls ill.