Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo Expands Beyond Response Capacity
WHO Urges Enhanced Support Amid Ongoing Ebola Outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo
GENEVA — The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday emphasized the need for increased support in the fight against an escalating Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). According to the WHO, the spread of the virus is currently outpacing response capabilities.
Declared less than three months ago, this outbreak has become the largest recorded in the DRC’s history. WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic addressed reporters, stating, “The outbreak is unfortunately still expanding beyond the capacity of the response,” and called for additional financial and resource support to improve areas such as treatment facilities, field investigation teams, safe burial operations, and community outreach.
As of now, the DRC has reported 3,802 confirmed cases of Ebola, resulting in 1,707 deaths, while 727 patients have successfully recovered. Additionally, there are 275 suspected cases still being investigated. Monitoring efforts include more than 17,000 contacts of confirmed cases, with over 80 percent receiving daily health check-ups.
Although cases have emerged in five provinces, nearly 90 percent of infections have been concentrated in Ituri province, with the remainder primarily in North Kivu. Jasarevic pointed out that the response must adapt to both current hotspots and potential future outbreaks.
Ebola, a viral hemorrhagic fever, transmits through direct contact with infected bodily fluids. The current outbreak is linked to the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, for which there are no established treatments or vaccines. However, various trials for potential therapies, vaccines, and post-exposure antivirals are underway.
Vasee Moorthy, head of WHO’s research and development blueprint division, noted that initial findings from ongoing research appear encouraging. On Friday, a WHO vaccine advisory committee reviewed data regarding the Ervebo vaccine, which is effective against the Zaire strain, and its potential cross-protection against the Bundibugyo strain in animal studies.
Currently, two candidate vaccines are in development: one using the ChAdOx1 platform from the University of Oxford and the Serum Institute of India, the other through US-based Moderna utilizing mRNA technology. The ChAdOx1 vaccine began Phase I trials in the UK on July 24, while Moderna’s candidate is set to begin Phase I trials in Canada this week.
Both vaccines are being tested in animals while also being administered to human volunteers in Oxford and Canada to evaluate immune responses and safety. Results will determine the appropriate dosage for future Phase III human trials.
In the field, two potential therapies—monoclonal antibody MBP134 and antiviral remdesivir—are being evaluated on confirmed Ebola patients in Ituri. Additionally, a trial of the antiviral obeldesivir for individuals exposed to confirmed Bundibugyo cases has begun, enrolling more than 25 high-risk contacts to assess whether a 10-day oral regimen can prevent disease onset.
The ongoing epidemic presents significant challenges, but the combined efforts of health authorities aim to curb its impact and protect public health in the affected regions.
(Associated Press)
