Bundibugyo virus disease makes travel history a clinical fact, not a formality. CDC's May 19 Health Alert Network advisory says the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda outbreak is caused by Bundibugyo virus, with DRC reporting 246 suspected cases and 80 deaths as of May 16 and eight of 13 tested samples confirming Bundibugyo virus infection [1]. It also says Uganda confirmed disease in a patient who had traveled from DRC and later died [1].

The practical window is 21 days. CDC says the incubation period ranges from two to 21 days after exposure and tells clinicians to include Bundibugyo virus disease in the differential diagnosis for compatible symptoms plus exposure risks within the 21 days before symptom onset [1]. That is why a travel history becomes actionable before a laboratory result arrives.

WHO's May 17 PHEIC statement supports the international frame while narrowing travel policy. It says eight confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases, and 80 suspected deaths had been reported in Ituri Province, plus two confirmed cases in Kampala among people traveling from DRC [2]. WHO also says no country should close borders or restrict travel and trade, while contacts and cases should not travel except for appropriate medical evacuation [2].

-- NORA WHITFIELD, Chicago