KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – As the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak continues to grow, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is set to receive 70,000 Ervebo Ebola vaccine doses. Congolese officials reported a total of 5,208 confirmed cases and 2,476 deaths by Aug. 18. The outbreak now spans 56 health zones across six provinces in the eastern and northeastern regions. Meanwhile, authorities have documented 1,115 recoveries, with 730 patients still in isolation or hospital care.
Following a request from the Congolese government, the International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision authorized the release of the doses after approval. WHO indicated that 20,000 doses will be used in a Phase 3 clinical trial focused on Bundibugyo virus disease, while the remaining 50,000 doses will be allocated to frontline and healthcare workers in line with existing vaccination guidelines. The allocation, announced by officials on Aug. 20, has been welcomed by WHO and Africa CDC.
Ervebo holds licensing for outbreaks caused by Ebola virus, previously known as Zaire ebolavirus. However, it is not specifically approved for Bundibugyo virus disease. Laboratory and animal studies suggest possible cross-protection, yet the effectiveness in humans remains uncertain. The upcoming clinical trial aims to evaluate the vaccine’s impact during the current outbreak and provide additional evidence for public health decisions. WHO emphasizes that recipients should be informed about known risks, potential benefits, and existing limitations of the vaccine.
Six provinces in Congo affected by outbreak
The Ebola outbreak originated in the Mongbwalu health zone within Ituri Province, with the Congolese authorities confirming its emergence in May. Since then, cases have spread to North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, Tshopo, and Bas-Uele. WHO’s latest data from Aug. 12 shows 4,665 cases and 2,184 deaths across 54 health zones. Updated national figures later raised those totals to 5,208 cases, 2,476 deaths, and 56 health zones. The case fatality rate currently stands at 47.5%.
WHO has characterized this as the largest Ebola outbreak ever recorded in DR Congo, noting intense transmission across interconnected regions. The ongoing increase in cases and fatalities is compounded by insecurity, population displacement, and heavy movement along trade routes and roads, which have hindered surveillance and patient access. Response teams are working to expand treatment capacity, improve contact tracing, strengthen surveillance efforts, and ensure safe burials. Congolese health authorities are also enhancing patient care services across affected areas.
Vaccination efforts bolster outbreak response and scientific research
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has pledged $7 million to facilitate the shipment of the 70,000 Ervebo doses. Additionally, it allocated $6 million through its First Response Fund for routine immunization programs and Ebola vaccination preparations. The global Ebola stockpile is managed by the International Coordinating Group, supported by various partner organizations, including WHO, UNICEF, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and Médecins Sans Frontières. Gavi’s funding underpins the vaccine stockpile’s operation.
DR Congo declared the outbreak on May 15 after laboratory confirmation of Bundibugyo virus disease, with WHO subsequently declaring it a public health emergency of international concern on May 17. Given the absence of licensed vaccines or specific treatments for Bundibugyo virus disease, supportive care and early detection are critical components of the response. WHO continues to aid in surveillance, clinical management, contact tracing, and community engagement in the affected provinces. The recent allocation of 70,000 doses aims to support vaccination campaigns and research initiatives as part of the broader public health response.