Médecins Sans Frontières - EN Ebola Outbreak Explainer Animation

Unique Identifier Code / URN MSF369594

Date taken / Date Recorded 28/05/2026 9:13 AM

Country Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda

Commissioning section MSF-BELGIUM

Copyright MSF

Usage Rights (MSF) Advertising Campaign, External Media, MSF Fundraising, MSF Publications, Social Media

Formal Consent Copy available no

Editor's rating ★★★ (F)

Video format h264 (Main) (avc1 / 0x31637661)

Duration 1m39s

Maximum Size 2160px × 3860px 242.93 MB

Additional Information / Shotlist 00:00:00:12 - 00:00:30:14
Unknown
The Ebola disease outbreak in DRC and Uganda is not what you think it is. Let us explain. The disease can result from several viruses. One of them is the Ebola virus, formerly known as Ebola Zaire. But the current outbreak that we are witnessing is due to its little known relative, the Bundibugyo virus. Why is it important? There are currently vaccines and treatments that have proven effective against the Ebola virus, but none can be used in cases of Bundibugyo virus infection.

00:00:30:16 - 00:01:00:16
Unknown
Why? Basically, it's a geometric problem. Think of it as a building block. Each virus is a chain composed of blocks. The goal is to find a perfect fit. In other words, to have a vaccine and a treatment that will match the virus. As for the tests to diagnose Bundibugyo, some exist, but very few. Research and development are ongoing, but as we speak, we don't have the right tools to detect, treat, or vaccinate.

00:01:00:17 - 00:01:28:21
Unknown
It's an uphill battle. On the positive side, none of the viruses causing Ebola disease are airborne. They pass through bodily fluids like blood, sweat, or saliva. So if you don't have close contact with the person who caught the disease, the chance of getting sick is close to zero. The risk of infection highly increases during contact with severely ill people or their belongings, and when handling bodies after death without any protection.

00:01:28:24 - 00:01:35:14
Unknown
That's when the viral load is the highest. This outbreak is different. And now you know why.