Ebola Disease: An Updated Review in the Context of the 2026 Bundibugyo Virus Outbreak

Ebola disease (EBOD) is a severe viral illness with a high mortality rate caused by viruses of the genus Orthoebolavirus within the family Filoviridae. The emergence of a new outbreak caused by Bundibugyo virus (BDBV) in Ituri Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo on May 15, 2026, along with the detection of cross-border cases in Uganda, has once again underscored the global public health significance of EBOD. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current terminology and classification, pathogenesis, modes of transmission, clinical and laboratory findings, diagnostic methods, case definitions, treatment approaches, Infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, contact tracing, vaccination strategies, and long-term sequelae associated with EBOD. Currently licensed vaccines and monoclonal antibody therapies are approved only for Orthoebolavirus zairense, limiting treatment options during BDBV outbreaks. Accelerating the development of pan-filovirus vaccines and therapeutics, strengthening early diagnostic capacity, and improving IPC infrastructure remain key priorities.