The World Health Organization (WHO) has appealed for enhanced support to tackle the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which continues to spread despite ongoing response efforts.
Declared less than three months ago, this outbreak is the largest recorded in the country. WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic highlighted that the outbreak's growth has exceeded current response capabilities, emphasizing the urgent need for increased financial and logistical resources. These include expanding treatment facilities, field investigation teams, safe burial units, and community health workers.
Current Situation
- Confirmed cases: 3,802
- Deaths: 1,707
- Recoveries: 727
- Suspected cases: 275 under investigation
- Contacts monitored: 17,000, with over 80% receiving daily check-ups
The majority of infections, nearly 90%, are concentrated in Ituri province, with the remainder primarily in North Kivu. The virus responsible is the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, for which no approved vaccines or treatments currently exist.
Research and Trials Underway
WHO's research arm, led by Vasee Moorthy, reports promising developments in vaccine and treatment trials. Investigations are underway to determine if the existing Ervebo vaccine, effective against the Zaire Ebola species, offers any cross-protection against Bundibugyo.
Two candidate vaccines are in early human trials: one developed by the University of Oxford and Serum Institute of India using the ChAdOx1 platform, and another by Moderna employing mRNA technology. These vaccines are also being tested in animal models.
On the treatment front, trials involving the monoclonal antibody MBP134 and the antiviral drug remdesivir are ongoing in Ituri. Additionally, a study of the antiviral obeldesivir is testing its ability to prevent disease onset in high-risk contacts.
WHO stresses the importance of focusing response efforts on current hotspots and potential areas of virus spread to effectively contain the outbreak.
