World Health Organization Approves First Molecular Diagnostic Test for Bundibugyo Virus
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, helping confirm infection rapidly and accurately.
The WHO’s EUL procedure assesses the quality, safety and performance of essential health products, ensuring they meet minimum international standards and address the needs of low- and middle-income countries.
The listing comes at a critical time as countries respond to the largest recorded outbreak of Ebola disease caused by BDBV, which continues to expand. As of today, 1406 laboratory-confirmed cases and 438 deaths had been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo alone.
Rapid Diagnosis Crucial for Outbreak Response
Rapid and reliable diagnosis remains essential to identify cases early, guide timely patient care, interrupt transmission and help bring outbreaks under control. With support from WHO and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), laboratory testing capacity has expanded significantly in affected provinces.
WHO continues to work closely with manufacturers, global partners and countries to expand the availability of and access to safe, effective and quality-assured life-saving health products.
