The World Health Organization (WHO) has added the first molecular diagnostic test for Bundibugyo virus (BDBV) to its Emergency Use Listing (EUL). The test detects the virus by identifying its genetic material in blood samples, enabling rapid and accurate confirmation of infection.
WHO’s EUL assesses the quality, safety and performance of essential health products to ensure they meet international standards while improving access to reliable diagnostics for early case detection, timely treatment, disease surveillance and outbreak response.
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“Public health emergencies require not only speed, but also confidence that the health products being used meet standards for quality, safety and performance,” said Dr Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for Health Systems, Access and Data. “During a fast-moving outbreak, timely access to quality-assured diagnostic tests can make a critical difference in containing transmission. Through this Emergency Use Listing, WHO is helping countries access trusted diagnostic tools more rapidly so that they can respond more effectively.”
The listing comes as countries respond to the largest recorded outbreak of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus. As of today, 1,406 laboratory-confirmed cases and 438 deaths have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. WHO declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 17 May 2026, with cases also reported in Uganda.
With support from WHO and the Africa CDC, laboratory testing capacity has expanded from a few testing sites capable of 200–400 tests per day to 10 laboratories across affected provinces with a capacity of more than 2,000 tests daily.
WHO continues to work with manufacturers and global partners to expand access to quality-assured diagnostic products. Additional BDBV diagnostic tests are under review, while WHO, Africa CDC and partners are also establishing a validation platform to assess molecular and rapid diagnostic tests for use during outbreaks.
Bundibugyo virus disease is a severe form of Ebola that spreads through contact with infected animals, people, bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces.
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