National Public Health Agency says risk of Bundibugyo virus' spread stays low for Moldova

The National Public Health Agency (ANSP) has issued clarifications following the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring a public health emergency of international concern after the emergence of disease outbreaks caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a variant of the Ebola virus, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. The institution notes that the risk of virus’ spread stays low for Moldova.

According to updated data, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) (Ituri Province) eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases, and 80 deaths have been reported in at least three areas: Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu. In Uganda, two cases have been confirmed, including one death, recorded in Kampala in people who traveled from the DRC.

At the same time, health authorities report that at least four deaths have been recorded among healthcare workers in the affected areas, which underscores the importance of strictly observing infection control measures.

ANSP says that it continuously monitors the development of the international epidemiological situation and maintains cooperation with WHO and other public health authorities, in order to rapidly implement prevention and control measures, depending on how risks evolve.

For the moment, WHO does not recommend travel restrictions, but suggests avoiding non-essential travel to affected areas.

The Bundibugyo virus is part of the Filoviridae family, the same genus as the Ebola Zaire virus and causes a severe viral hemorrhagic fever, with rapid evolution and a high risk of complications.

The incubation period is 2–21 days, and transmission occurs through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person or animal. According to ANSP, the risk of importing the disease into Moldova is considered low.

Symptoms include sudden fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat, followed by vomiting, diarrhea, and skin rash, and in severe cases, internal and external bleeding. At present, there are no approved specific vaccines or treatments; only supportive therapy is applied.

ANSP recommends that the population seek information exclusively from official sources and avoid spreading unverified information, and that people traveling to affected areas strictly follow hygiene measures and avoid contact with sick individuals or wild animals.