KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Democratic Republic of the Congo is set to obtain 70,000 Ervebo Ebola vaccine doses as the Bundibugyo outbreak intensifies. As of Aug. 18, Congolese officials reported 5,208 confirmed cases and 2,476 fatalities. The outbreak spans 56 health zones across six provinces in the eastern and northeastern regions. Authorities also noted 1,115 recoveries, with 730 patients still in isolation or hospitalized.
The release of vaccines was approved by the International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision after the government submitted a request for doses from the global Ebola reserve. WHO indicated that 20,000 doses will facilitate a Phase 3 clinical trial targeting Bundibugyo virus disease. The remaining 50,000 doses are designated for frontline health workers according to current vaccination guidelines. The allocation was announced by officials on Aug. 20 and received support from WHO and Africa CDC.
Ervebo has authorization for use in outbreaks caused by Ebola virus, previously known as Zaire ebolavirus. However, it lacks specific approval for Bundibugyo virus disease. Laboratory and animal studies suggest there may be some cross-protection, but the effectiveness in humans has yet to be confirmed. The upcoming clinical trial aims to assess the vaccine’s efficacy during the ongoing outbreak and contribute data for public health decisions. WHO emphasized that recipients should be informed about known risks, potential benefits, and current limitations of the vaccine.
The outbreak now spans six provinces in Congo
The initial cases appeared in Mongbwalu health zone within Ituri Province, with the outbreak officially confirmed by Congolese authorities in May. Since then, cases have expanded into 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 updates increased these figures to 5,208 cases, 2,476 fatalities, and 56 affected zones. The case fatality rate is now calculated at 47.5%.
WHO describes this as the largest Ebola epidemic recorded in DR Congo. Persistent transmission across interconnected regions continues to drive case and death counts upward. Challenges such as insecurity, population displacement, and high mobility along roads and trade routes hinder surveillance efforts and patient access to healthcare. Response teams are expanding treatment facilities, enhancing contact tracing, strengthening surveillance, and supporting safe burials. Congolese health authorities are also working to improve patient care in affected zones.
Vaccine deployment aids both response and research efforts
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, allocated $7 million to support the shipment of the 70,000 Ervebo doses. An additional $6 million from its First Response Fund will fund routine immunization and Ebola vaccination initiatives. The global Ebola stockpile, managed through the International Coordinating Group with assistance from various partners, supplies these doses. WHO, UNICEF, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and Médecins Sans Frontières are part of the ICG. Gavi’s funding supports the vaccine stockpile’s operation.
DR Congo announced the outbreak on May 15 following laboratory confirmation of Bundibugyo virus disease. WHO characterized the situation as a public health emergency of international concern on May 17. Since there is no licensed vaccine or specific treatment for Bundibugyo virus disease, supportive care and early detection remain critical. WHO continues to assist with surveillance, clinical management, supplies, contact tracing, and community engagement in the affected regions. The 70,000-dose allocation enhances both vaccination efforts and research activities as part of ongoing public health measures.