Congo begins Ebola vaccinations for health workers in the epicenter of the outbreak
Summary
Congo has started vaccinating healthcare workers in Bunia to help fight the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak in its history. The current outbreak is caused by a rare Ebola virus strain called Bundibugyo, which has no approved vaccine yet, so the Ervebo vaccine, used against a different Ebola strain, is being given to frontline workers under a special program.Key Facts
- Vaccinations began in Bunia, the center of the Ebola outbreak, focusing on healthcare and frontline workers.
- The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo Ebola virus, which currently has no licensed vaccine or treatment.
- The Ervebo vaccine, effective against the more common Zaire Ebola virus, is being used under a compassionate-use program.
- About 20,000 frontline workers in Ituri province are expected to be vaccinated over six to nine months.
- There have been 7,541 confirmed cases and 3,639 deaths in Congo from this outbreak.
- The outbreak is the deadliest in Congo’s history and is spreading fast due to violence, displacement, and a health worker strike.
- The World Health Organization says the outbreak may become worse than the 2014-2016 West Africa Ebola epidemic.
- Clinical trials are underway to determine if the Ervebo vaccine protects against the current Bundibugyo Ebola virus.
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