Congo Ebola death toll surpasses 3,000 as outbreak spreads across six provinces
Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) reported on Wednesday that more than 3,000 people have died as a result of the ongoing Ebola outbreak. Since the outbreak was declared in mid-May, a total of 6,186 cases have been documented, with 3,007 fatalities.
As of now, 830 individuals are either receiving treatment or remain in isolation, while 1,409 patients have successfully recovered from the disease. The outbreak has resulted in a fatality rate of 48.6%, with children exhibiting particularly high rates of mortality.
Ebola is transmitted through direct physical contact with infected bodily fluids, leading to severe symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, and bleeding. Authorities have indicated that containing this outbreak has proven difficult due to its association with the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, for which no specific vaccine or treatment is currently available.
Clinical trials for two antiviral treatments have been underway since early July. Additionally, officials are examining the effectiveness of the Ervebo vaccine—authorized for the Zaire strain of Ebola—in offering protection against the Bundibugyo strain.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) announced the availability of 70,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine, with over 16,000 doses already distributed. Of the total, 20,000 doses are designated for a Phase III clinical trial that will assess the vaccine’s efficacy against the Bundibugyo strain, while 50,000 doses are allocated for healthcare workers and frontline personnel.
Initial vaccinations under the trial have begun, although experts have yet to confirm Ervebo’s protective capabilities against the Bundibugyo strain. Preliminary lab and animal studies suggest that the vaccine may provide some degree of protection.
The Africa CDC has also clarified that there is no evidence supporting claims of mutations in the Bundibugyo strain. This outbreak marks the 17th recorded Ebola outbreak in the DRC, originating in the northeastern Ituri Province and spreading to six provinces.
