Emory epidemiologist on why this Ebola strain is harder to treat

Infectious Disease

May 28th, 2026

A health care worker uses a thermometer while checking a woman holding a baby — A health official uses a thermometer to check people in Kampala, Uganda. (Credit: Hajarah Nalwadda/ Associated Press)

Uganda is closing its border with Congo because of suspected cases of a rare Ebola strain that is driving an increase in infections and deaths. There is currently no vaccine for this strain. Although there are no active cases in the United States, the World Health Organization has declared a public health emergency. With international travel expected to rise and with states such as Georgia preparing for an influx of visitors during the FIFA World Cup, public health experts say the U.S. should consider appropriate precautions.

Documentation of the Ebola virus dates back to 1976, and this region of Africa is one where Ebola is known to exist in the environment, said epidemiologist Dr. Jodie Guest, professor and senior vice chair in the Department of Epidemiology at Emory University.

“It lives in the animals that are there, and this is also culturally an area where people consume some of the animals that are most likely to infect them with Ebola,” said Guest.

Symptoms of an Ebola infection can begin with a fever that worsens over time, along with fatigue and malaise.

“They’re unfortunately fairly general symptoms at the beginning, and then they escalate very, very quickly,” Guest told “Closer Look” host Rose Scott.

There is no vaccine for this strain of the virus, and despite efforts from aid workers, several factors are hindering attempts to assist.

“This is an area of the DRC that is under rebel influence, and so it is a complicated political and health problem,” Guest explained. Because of the region’s insecurity, instability, and displacement, containment efforts are highly unlikely to succeed.

If someone does contract the virus, the antivirals used for other forms of Ebola are not effective against this strain, known as Bundibugyo, though supportive care is available.

“We’re going to make sure that you have access to oxygen and IV fluids and other things to make sure your blood pressure stays up,” Guest said.

This strain has a relatively high fatality rate, she added, and because the true number of cases is unclear, the full extent of the outbreak is not yet known.