The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued updated temporary recommendations following the second meeting of its Emergency Committee on the Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The recommendations, issued on August 24, focus on strengthening outbreak control as the WHO assesses the risk in areas with community transmission as “very high.” Measures include enhanced surveillance, rapid case detection, contact tracing, laboratory testing, infection prevention and control, safe burials and improved access to specialized treatment facilities.
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WHO also recommends stronger community engagement, particularly through trusted local leaders and health workers, to improve awareness and acceptance of protective measures.
Additional measures cover mass gatherings, domestic mobility, school safety, border surveillance and international travel. Countries bordering affected areas are urged to strengthen preparedness, laboratory capacity and monitoring at points of entry. WHO noted that there are currently no approved vaccines or therapeutics specifically for Bundibugyo virus disease, although clinical research into potential medical countermeasures is ongoing.
