KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – As the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to develop, the country is set to receive 70,000 Ervebo Ebola vaccine doses. Congolese authorities reported a total of 5,208 confirmed cases and 2,476 deaths by August 18. The outbreak has spread across 56 health zones in six provinces located in the eastern and northeastern regions. Officials also recorded 1,115 recoveries, while 730 patients remained under isolation or hospital care.
Following the government’s request from the global Ebola stockpile, the International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision approved the release of these doses. The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that 20,000 doses will support a Phase 3 clinical trial targeting Bundibugyo virus disease, while the remaining 50,000 doses will be allocated to frontline healthcare workers in line with existing vaccination guidelines. The decision was publicly announced on August 20, with WHO and Africa CDC expressing support for the distribution.
Ervebo has obtained approval for use in outbreaks caused by Ebola virus, previously known as Zaire ebolavirus. However, it does not have specific approval for Bundibugyo virus disease. Laboratory and animal studies suggest the possibility of cross-protection, though the effectiveness in humans remains unconfirmed. The planned clinical trial aims to evaluate the vaccine’s performance during the ongoing outbreak and contribute valuable data to public health efforts. WHO emphasizes that vaccine recipients should be informed of the known risks, benefits, and current limitations of the vaccine.
Outbreak now impacts six provinces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
The initial cases emerged in the Mongbwalu health zone within Ituri Province, with authorities confirming the outbreak in May. Since then, the virus has spread to North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, Tshopo, and Bas-Uele. By August 12, WHO had documented 4,665 cases and 2,184 deaths across 54 health zones. Later updates from the national health authorities increased these figures to 5,208 cases, 2,476 fatalities, and 56 affected zones. The current data indicate a case fatality ratio of 47.5%.
WHO has characterized this outbreak as the largest Ebola epidemic ever recorded in DR Congo. It reports ongoing intense transmission across interconnected regions, with case and death counts still rising. Factors such as insecurity, population displacement, and significant movement along roads and trade routes have hindered surveillance efforts and access to patients. Response teams are scaling up treatment facilities, enhancing surveillance activities, tracing contacts, and supporting safe burials. Additionally, Congolese health authorities are improving patient care services across affected areas.
Vaccine distribution bolsters response efforts and research initiatives
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has pledged $7 million to cover the shipment of the 70,000 Ervebo doses. An additional $6 million from its First Response Fund will support routine immunization and Ebola vaccination preparations. The global Ebola stockpile is managed by the International Coordinating Group, which receives backing from numerous partner organizations. WHO, UNICEF, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and Médecins Sans Frontières are among the ICG partners, with Gavi providing funding for vaccine stockpile management.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo announced the outbreak on May 15 after laboratory testing confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease. WHO declared the situation a public health emergency of international concern on May 17. Because there is no licensed vaccine or specific treatment for Bundibugyo virus disease, supportive care and early detection remain crucial. WHO continues to support surveillance, clinical management, supply distribution, contact tracing, and community outreach in the affected provinces. The allocation of 70,000 doses aims to strengthen vaccination efforts and advance research as part of the overall public health response.