New Ebola Strain Cases Reported in DRC, Says Medical Journal

The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) posted details of new correspondence this week covering the clinical characteristics of patients infected with Bundibugyo virus — a strain of the Ebola family of haemorrhagic fever viruses — in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in 2026. The post, shared on the journal’s official X account, links to peer-reviewed correspondence rather than a preprint, meaning the findings have passed editorial review.

Bundibugyo virus was first identified in Uganda in 2007 and belongs to the same family as the more widely known Ebola Zaire strain. It causes severe viral haemorrhagic fever, a condition where the body’s blood-clotting system breaks down, leading to internal and external bleeding. The DRC has experienced repeated outbreaks of Ebola-family viruses over several decades.

While the NEJM correspondence focuses on DRC cases, WHO and CDC have confirmed the outbreak has also spread to Uganda. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) monitors international infectious disease events and issues guidance to NHS trusts when a risk to the UK is identified. No such alert for Bundibugyo virus has been publicly issued at the time of writing.

Kent residents do not need to take any action at this stage. But anyone who has recently travelled to an active outbreak zone in central Africa and develops a high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, or unexplained bleeding should contact NHS 111 immediately rather than attending a GP surgery or emergency department in person.

Key information

• NHS 111 — call 111 if you have returned from central Africa and feel unwell with a high fever
• 999 — call in an emergency if symptoms are severe
• UKHSA travel health advice is available through the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC)
• Do not attend a walk-in centre or A&E without calling ahead if a haemorrhagic fever is suspected