Role of Wildlife in Emergence of Ebola Virus in Kaigbono (Likati), Democratic Republic of the Congo, 2017
Sophie Gryseels, Placide Mbala‐Kingebeni, Innocent Akonda, Roger A. Angoyo, Ahidjo Ayouba, Pascal Baelo, Daniel Bamuleka Mukadi, Elie P. Bugentho, Trenton Bushmaker, Christelle Butel, Sébastien Calvignac‐Spencer, Éric Delaporte, Birgit De Smet, Ariane Düx, François Edidi-Atani, Robert J. Fischer, Corneille Kahandi, Jimmy Kapetshi, Servet Kimbonza Sumba, Léonce Kouadio, André Malekani Bendeke, Claude Mande, Guy Midingi Sepolo, Joseph Moudindo, Eitel Mpoudi Ngole, Prescott Musaba, Patrick Mutombo, Innocent Ndong Bass, Casimir Nebesse, Steve Ngoy, Simon-Pierre Ndimbo Kumogo, Stephanie N. Seifert, Jacques Tanzito, Dudu Akaibe, Nicaise Amundala, Kevin K. Ariën, Guy‐Crispin Gembu, Fabian H. Leendertz, Herwig Leirs, Jean-Claude Mukinzi, Vincent J. Munster, Jean‐Jacques Muyembé‐Tamfum, Martine Peeters, Erik Verheyen, Steve Ahuka‐Mundeke
Abstract
T he animal reservoir(s) for Ebola virus (EBOV) remain unclear. Although substantial evidence suggests several bat species can host EBOV and other filoviruses (1-8), it cannot be ruled out that other, less frequently surveyed mammal groups could also host these viruses or play a role in their ecology ( An EBOV outbreak in humans implies that EBOV had been circulating among wildlife where the primary case-patient contracted the infection. If the primary case-patient and his or her activities before becoming ill are known, this information provides an opportunity for EBOV wildlife surveillance closely focused in space and season.