KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been allocated 70,000 Ervebo Ebola vaccine doses to combat the expanding Bundibugyo outbreak. Authorities in Congo reported a total of 5,208 confirmed cases and 2,476 deaths as of Aug. 18. The epidemic now impacts 56 health zones across six provinces located in the eastern and northeastern regions. Officials also indicated 1,115 recoveries, with 730 patients still in isolation or hospitalized.
The International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision authorized the release after the government requested doses from the global Ebola stockpile. WHO stated that 20,000 doses will be used in a Phase 3 clinical trial targeting Bundibugyo virus disease. The remaining 50,000 doses are designated for frontline and healthcare workers as per current vaccination guidelines. This allocation was announced on Aug. 20, and both WHO and Africa CDC expressed support for the measure.
Ervebo has approval for use against Ebola virus outbreaks, previously known as Zaire ebolavirus. However, it lacks specific approval for Bundibugyo virus disease. Laboratory and animal studies suggest potential cross-protection, but efficacy in humans remains unconfirmed. The upcoming clinical trial aims to evaluate the vaccine’s effectiveness during the outbreak and provide further evidence to inform public health decisions. WHO recommends that recipients be informed about known risks, potential benefits, and current limitations of the vaccine.
Outbreak spreads across six provinces in Congo
The outbreak was first identified in the Mongbwalu health zone within Ituri Province, with Congolese officials confirming its presence in May. Since then, cases have expanded into North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, Tshopo, and Bas-Uele. By Aug. 12, WHO had documented 4,665 cases and 2,184 deaths across 54 health zones. Later national reports increased these figures to 5,208 cases, 2,476 fatalities, and 56 affected zones. The current case fatality ratio stands at 47.5%.
WHO has described this as the largest Ebola outbreak ever recorded in DR Congo. It also reports intense transmission within interconnected areas, with the number of cases and deaths continuing to grow. Security issues, population displacements, and high mobility along roads and trade routes have hampered surveillance efforts and access to patients. Response teams are working to increase treatment facilities, enhance contact tracing, strengthen surveillance, and facilitate safe burials. Congolese health authorities have also expanded patient care services across the affected regions.
Vaccine distribution supports both response efforts and research initiatives
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, allocated $7 million to fund the shipment of the 70,000 Ervebo doses. An additional $6 million was pledged through its First Response Fund to support routine immunizations and Ebola vaccination readiness. The global Ebola stockpile is managed by the International Coordinating Group with contributions from various partner organizations. WHO, UNICEF, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and Médecins Sans Frontières are among the ICG partners. Gavi provides funding for the vaccine stockpile.
The outbreak was declared by DR Congo on May 15 following laboratory confirmation of Bundibugyo virus disease. WHO officially characterized the situation as a public health emergency of international concern on May 17. While there is no licensed vaccine or specific treatment for Bundibugyo virus disease, supportive care and early detection are critical components of the response. WHO continues to assist with surveillance, clinical care, supplies, contact tracing, and community engagement across affected provinces. The 70,000-dose allocation aims to bolster vaccination efforts and research activities alongside ongoing public health interventions.