KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – As the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak intensifies, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is set to receive a shipment of 70,000 Ervebo Ebola vaccine. According to reports from Congolese health authorities, there have been 5,208 confirmed cases and 2,476 deaths recorded by August 18. The epidemic now spans 56 health zones across six eastern and northeastern provinces. Additionally, authorities noted 1,115 recoveries, while 730 patients continue to be isolated or hospitalized.
The International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision authorized the release after a request from the government for doses from the global Ebola stockpile. WHO stated that 20,000 doses will be used for a Phase 3 clinical trial targeting Bundibugyo virus disease. The remaining 50,000 doses are allocated to frontline and healthcare workers following existing vaccination guidelines. The allocation was announced on August 20, and both WHO and Africa CDC have expressed support for the decision.
Ervebo is licensed for use against Ebola virus outbreaks, formerly known as Zaire ebolavirus. It has not been approved specifically for Bundibugyo virus disease. Laboratory and animal studies suggest there may be some cross-protection, yet its effectiveness in humans remains uncertain. The planned clinical trial aims to evaluate how well the vaccine performs amid an ongoing outbreak and to gather data that can inform public health strategies. WHO emphasizes that recipients should be informed about the known risks, potential benefits, and current limitations of the vaccine.
The outbreak now affects six provinces in Congo
The initial cases appeared in the Mongbwalu health zone within Ituri Province, with confirmation from Congolese authorities in May. Since then, cases have spread into North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, Tshopo, and Bas-Uele. As of August 12, WHO had 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 zones affected. The current case fatality rate stands at 47.5%.
WHO characterizes this epidemic as the largest Ebola outbreak ever recorded in DR Congo. It highlights ongoing intense transmission, with case numbers and fatalities continuing to rise across interconnected regions. Challenges such as insecurity, population displacement, and heavy movement along roads and trade routes hinder effective surveillance and access to patients. Response teams are actively expanding treatment infrastructure, enhancing surveillance efforts, tracing contacts, and supporting safe burials. Additionally, Congolese health services have scaled up patient care in affected areas.
Vaccine donations bolster both response efforts and research initiatives
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has committed $7 million to support the shipment of the 70,000 Ervebo doses. Furthermore, it allocated $6 million through its First Response Fund to bolster routine immunization and Ebola vaccination preparations. The global Ebola stockpile operates via the International Coordinating Group with backing from several partner organizations. Among ICG partners are WHO, UNICEF, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and Médecins Sans Frontières. Gavi contributes funding for maintaining the vaccine stockpile.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo declared the outbreak on May 15 after laboratory testing confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease. WHO declared it 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 vital. WHO continues to support efforts in surveillance, clinical management, supply provision, contact tracing, and community engagement across affected provinces. The 70,000-dose allocation complements ongoing vaccination campaigns and research activities, strengthening the public health response during this outbreak.
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