On the 50th year responding to Ebola: mapping diagnostic, vaccine, and therapeutic gaps across ebolavirus species

Abstract

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Ebola virus identification, but the 2026 outbreak of Bundibugyo ebolavirus disease has exposed important limitations in Ebola preparedness strategies that remain largely focused on Zaire ebolavirus. Although major advances in diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics have followed the 2014–2016 West African Ebola epidemic, most licensed countermeasures were developed against Zaire ebolavirus and may provide limited protection against other ebolavirus species, including Bundibugyo ebolavirus. Herein, we examine the epidemiological significance of Bundibugyo ebolavirus and review current and emerging diagnostics, vaccines, antibody therapies, and antiviral strategies, with emphasis on their species coverage and limitations. We further discuss how diagnostic blind spots, limited species-inclusive countermeasures, and fragile health systems contributed to challenges during the current outbreak. Future Ebola preparedness should adopt a broader framework encompassing multiple ebolavirus species with epidemic potential.

Keywords

Bundibugyo virus / ebolavirus / Zaire ebolavirus / diagnostics / vaccines / therapeutics

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Higher Education Press 2026

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