Journal of Medical Council of Iran
Volume 44, Issue 3 (2026)
jmciri 2026, 44(3): 40-54 |
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Dabbagh Moghaddam A, Salehi H, Ahmadi M, Kazemi Galougahi M H, Golalizadeh G. Bundibugyo Virus Disease in 2026: An Overview of Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, and Health System Preparedness. jmciri 2026; 44 (3) :40-54
URL: http://jmciri.ir/article-1-3491-en.html
URL: http://jmciri.ir/article-1-3491-en.html
Arasb Dabbagh Moghaddam 
, Hossein Salehi 
, Masoumeh Ahmadi , Mohammad Hassan Kazemi Galougahi , Ghazal Golalizadeh
, Hossein Salehi , Masoumeh Ahmadi , Mohammad Hassan Kazemi Galougahi , Ghazal Golalizadeh
of Public Health and Food Safety, Infectious Diseases Research Center, Department of Public Health and Military Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Invited Scholar of Academy of Sciences of IR of Iran, Tehran, Iran
Abstract: (22 Views)
Abstract
Background: Bundibugyo virus (BDBV) is one of the pathogenic species of the genus Orthoebolavirus that can cause severe disease and substantial mortality. Despite its public health importance, this virus has been less studied compared with Zaire ebolavirus. The absence of specific vaccines and treatments, diagnostic limitations, and the risk of regional spread have increased the need for preparedness to address this pathogen. The present study aimed to comprehensively review the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, vaccines, prevention, and control of BDBV disease, with a focus on evidence related to the 2026 outbreak.
Methods: This study employed a narrative-analytical research design. Relevant scientific literature and authoritative reports were systematically searched and reviewed using keywords related to Bundibugyo virus (BDBV), Ebola virus disease, outbreaks, epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, vaccination, prevention, infection control, and cross-border transmission. Selected sources included review studies, modeling studies, observational studies, clinical and policy reports, and risk assessments. Following screening, 13 articles were included as the main sources for analysis, and the findings were thematically synthesized and interpreted.
Results: The results showed that the BDBV outbreak in 2026 was associated with challenges including delayed diagnosis, limited laboratory capacity, under-detection of cases, and difficulties in contact tracing. The absence of approved specific vaccines and treatments for BDBV highlights the importance of supportive care and the evaluation of treatments and vaccines under development. Insecurity, population displacement, social mistrust, weak health infrastructure, and cross-border population movements have also complicated outbreak control. Epidemiological and modeling evidence emphasized the possibility of substantial underreporting of cases and the need to strengthen regional surveillance. Effective disease control requires a combination of rapid diagnosis, isolation, contact tracing, infection prevention and control, safe burial practices, active community engagement, and cross-border coordination.
Conclusion: The BDBV outbreak revealed existing gaps in global preparedness to address less-studied filoviruses. Strengthening pan-filovirus diagnostic capacity, developing broadly protective vaccines and treatments, investing in health and laboratory infrastructure, and establishing community-based and coordinated cross-border response systems are essential to reduce the risk of future outbreaks.
Background: Bundibugyo virus (BDBV) is one of the pathogenic species of the genus Orthoebolavirus that can cause severe disease and substantial mortality. Despite its public health importance, this virus has been less studied compared with Zaire ebolavirus. The absence of specific vaccines and treatments, diagnostic limitations, and the risk of regional spread have increased the need for preparedness to address this pathogen. The present study aimed to comprehensively review the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, vaccines, prevention, and control of BDBV disease, with a focus on evidence related to the 2026 outbreak.
Methods: This study employed a narrative-analytical research design. Relevant scientific literature and authoritative reports were systematically searched and reviewed using keywords related to Bundibugyo virus (BDBV), Ebola virus disease, outbreaks, epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, vaccination, prevention, infection control, and cross-border transmission. Selected sources included review studies, modeling studies, observational studies, clinical and policy reports, and risk assessments. Following screening, 13 articles were included as the main sources for analysis, and the findings were thematically synthesized and interpreted.
Results: The results showed that the BDBV outbreak in 2026 was associated with challenges including delayed diagnosis, limited laboratory capacity, under-detection of cases, and difficulties in contact tracing. The absence of approved specific vaccines and treatments for BDBV highlights the importance of supportive care and the evaluation of treatments and vaccines under development. Insecurity, population displacement, social mistrust, weak health infrastructure, and cross-border population movements have also complicated outbreak control. Epidemiological and modeling evidence emphasized the possibility of substantial underreporting of cases and the need to strengthen regional surveillance. Effective disease control requires a combination of rapid diagnosis, isolation, contact tracing, infection prevention and control, safe burial practices, active community engagement, and cross-border coordination.
Conclusion: The BDBV outbreak revealed existing gaps in global preparedness to address less-studied filoviruses. Strengthening pan-filovirus diagnostic capacity, developing broadly protective vaccines and treatments, investing in health and laboratory infrastructure, and establishing community-based and coordinated cross-border response systems are essential to reduce the risk of future outbreaks.
Type of Study: Review |
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