Frequently Asked Questions - Ebola - Bundibugyo Virus Disease

What is Ebola disease?

Ebola disease is caused by a group of viruses, known as orthoebolaviruses, which are primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa. There are four types of orthoebolaviruses that cause illness in people – Bundibugyo virus is one of them. These viruses can cause serious illness and without treatment, can cause death.

What is Bundibugyo Virus Disease?

Bundibugyo Virus Disease (BVD) is a rare and severe form of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus. It is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can spread between animals and humans, with fruit bats believed to be the natural reservoir. There is currently an outbreak of BVD affecting several countries in Africa (cdc.gov).

What symptoms are associated with Bundibugyo Virus Disease?

Symptoms can include fever, headache, muscle pain, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain. In severe cases, people may experience unexplained bleeding or bruising, which typically occurs later in the illness.

How does the Bundibugyo Virus Disease spread?

BVD disease is spread through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of a person who is infected with or has died from BVD. It is also spread by coming into contaminated objects such as clothing, bedding, needles, and medical equipment, or infected animals, such as bats and nonhuman primates. BVD is not spread through casual contact with the public.

What should I do if I recently arrived in New York from travel to an affected area?

If you recently arrived in New York and travelled to an area affected by BVD, separate yourself from others immediately and call the health department in your area for advice. If you can't reach your health department right away and you need urgent medical care, call a doctor or 911. Tell them that you were recently in an area with an Ebola outbreak.

What should I do if I suspect I am ill with BVD?

If you think you may have BVD, any symptoms related to BVD, or a recent exposure history, separate yourself from others immediately, contact a healthcare provider, and call your local health department for guidance. If you cannot reach your local health department, contact the NYS Department of Health at 518-473-4439 during normal business hours or 866-881-2809 during evenings, weekends, and holidays.

How is Ebola diagnosed?

Ebola is diagnosed using a laboratory test called a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) blood test. Testing is generally recommended only for people who have symptoms and who've had a known risk of exposure such as travel to an affected area.

How can I be tested?

If you become ill, your healthcare provider will work with their local health departments to determine whether testing is needed and coordinate testing if appropriate. There is no need to be tested if you are not ill. It is important to remember that the early symptoms of BVD can be caused by many common infections including malaria.

How is Bundibugyo Virus Disease treated?

There are currently no approved specific treatments to treat BVD. However, people who receive medical care earlier have a better chance of survival. Supportive care may include fluids, electrolytes, medicine to support blood pressure, and treatment for other infections.

Is a vaccine available to prevent Bundibugyo Virus Disease?

No. There are currently no FDA-approved vaccines or specific treatments designed to prevent BVD.

Will local health departments be notified about residents who may have been exposed?

Yes. Travelers returning from countries affected by the BVD outbreak are screened for potential exposures and symptoms by federal health authorities in US points of entry, including airports and land borders. If a traveler returning to New York is identified as infected or potentially exposed, the appropriate local health department will be notified and will work with healthcare providers to ensure proper symptom monitoring, medical evaluation, testing, infection control, and care.

Impacted local health departments and providers are encouraged to refer to the Health Advisory Notice (nyc.gov)(PDF) for detailed clinical guidance.

Where can people in New York receive treatment for Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease?

People who are suspected of having or confirmed to have Ebola are evaluated and cared for in designated healthcare facilities that are specially equipped to manage highly infectious diseases, such as BVD. Isolation and treatment decisions are made on a case-by-case basis in coordination with public health authorities and healthcare providers.

What should I know about before I travel outside of the United States

Health information for people traveling outside of the U.S. is available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at Travel Health Notices (cdc.gov).

Are there any risks to New York State with respect to the Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease?

The current risk to the public is extremely low. The New York State Department Health will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as needed.

How will updates be shared?