Red Cross workers carry the body of a person who died of Ebola into a coffin at a health center in Rwampara, Congo, Wednesday, May 20, 2026 -

Last updated: 1 hour ago

Ebola virus

A recent Ebola outbreak has killed more than a hundred people in Congo, and experts say there’s no vaccine for this strain. A vaccine exists for the more common Zaire strain, but the current outbreak is the Bundibugyo strain.

Nita Bharti, associate professor of biology at Penn State, studies Ebola and says the death toll is probably much higher than we currently believe because it took longer to identify the outbreak and that allowed it to spread faster. Bharti explains what Ebola is and how scientists are trying to contain the spread.

Ebola is highly contagious and can be contracted via bodily fluids such as vomit, blood or semen. The disease it causes is rare but severe and often fatal. Healthcare workers and family members caring for sick patients face the highest risk, experts said.

It can be difficult to identify Ebola at first because early symptoms mimic those of common diseases such as malaria or flu.

While some species in the Ebola family have vaccines, some do not. According the the CDC, there are four species that cause illness in people.

"Typically for Ebola, there would first and foremost would be a vaccine," said Susan Michaels-Strasser at ICAP, the global health center at Columbia University. "The other things are what we call supportive care. So making sure that the people with Ebola have fluids."

Additional sources • AP

Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in Congo shows the difficulties of controlling new Ebola strains

Suggested for you

More Stories

Africa Where Arsenal Is Most Popular Is About Passion

US Charges Former Cuban President Raul Castro in Civilian Aircraft Case

FDA increases checks on imported frozen chicken, meat and fish to ensure food safety

After ten years in power, Patrice Talon leaves Benin with mixed legacy

Jeanette brings cult film song 'Por qué te vas' back to Cannes

WFP and partners examining use of US funds in school feeding programme

Discussion