KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – As the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak continues to escalate, 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 fatalities as of Aug. 18. The outbreak now spans 56 health zones across six provinces in the eastern and northeastern regions. Additionally, authorities documented 1,115 recoveries, while 730 patients remain under isolation or in hospital care.
Following a request from the Congolese government, the International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision approved the release of doses from the global Ebola stockpile. WHO stated that 20,000 doses will support a Phase 3 clinical trial targeting Bundibugyo virus disease, while the remaining 50,000 doses will be directed toward frontline workers and healthcare personnel following existing vaccination guidelines. Both WHO and Africa CDC expressed their approval of this allocation, which was announced on Aug. 20.
Ervebo has received licensing for Ebola outbreaks caused by the Ebola virus, previously known as Zaire ebolavirus, but it lacks specific approval for Bundibugyo virus disease. WHO notes that laboratory and animal studies suggest potential cross-protection, though its effectiveness in humans remains uncertain. The upcoming clinical trial will evaluate the vaccine’s impact during the ongoing outbreak and provide additional data for public health decision-making. WHO emphasizes that recipients should be informed about known risks, possible benefits, and current limitations of the vaccine.
Outbreak affects six provinces in Congo
The epidemic originated in the Mongbwalu health zone within Ituri Province and was officially confirmed by Congolese authorities in May. Since then, cases have spread to North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, Tshopo, and Bas-Uele. By Aug. 12, WHO documented 4,665 cases and 2,184 deaths across 54 health zones. Later national reports increased these figures to 5,208 cases, 2,476 deaths, and 56 affected zones. The latest data indicate a case fatality rate of 47.5%.
WHO has described this as the largest Ebola outbreak recorded in DR Congo. The agency reports intense transmission across interconnected regions, with ongoing increases in both cases and fatalities. Challenges such as insecurity, population displacement, and extensive movement along roads and trade routes hinder effective surveillance and access to affected populations. Response teams are ramping up treatment capacity, enhancing contact tracing, strengthening surveillance efforts, and supporting safe burials. The Congolese health authorities have also expanded patient care services in the affected areas.
Vaccine distribution supports both response efforts and research initiatives
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, pledged $7 million to facilitate the shipment of the 70,000 Ervebo doses. An additional $6 million was allocated through its First Response Fund to support routine immunization and Ebola vaccination efforts. The global Ebola stockpile operates via the International Coordinating Group with contributions from multiple partner organizations. WHO, UNICEF, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and Médecins Sans Frontières are key ICG partners. Gavi provides financial backing for the vaccine stockpile.
On May 15, DR Congo officially declared the outbreak after laboratory tests confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease. WHO followed by declaring a public health emergency of international concern on May 17. Since no licensed vaccine or specific treatment exists for Bundibugyo virus disease, supportive care and early detection remain essential components of the response. WHO continues its efforts to bolster surveillance, clinical management, supply distribution, contact tracing, and community engagement within the affected regions. The allocation of 70,000 vaccine doses aims to bolster vaccination campaigns and advance research alongside ongoing public health interventions.