More than 4,300 confirmed cases reported

The outbreak has resulted in 2,011 fatalities out of 4,381 confirmed cases, as confirmed by health authorities this week. The mortality rate stands at a troubling 45.9%. Originating in Ituri Province in the northeast, the virus has since spread to neighboring regions, including North Kivu, where fragile healthcare systems struggle to contain the crisis. This outbreak now rivals the devastating 2018-2020 epidemic, which remains the deadliest in DRC history with nearly 2,300 fatalities.

Experimental vaccine trials underway against Bundibugyo variant

The current outbreak is driven by the Bundibugyo variant, for which no approved vaccine currently exists. The World Health Organization has recommended advancing clinical trials for Ervebo, the only Ebola vaccine currently licensed. Given the extensive safety data available, authorities are considering a direct phase 3 trial, typically conducted on a large scale. The Gavi Vaccine Alliance has pledged doses from the global Ervebo stockpile, which holds approximately 500,000 doses. The vaccine is manufactured by the U.S.-based Merck & Co.

Multiple vaccine candidates in development

In addition to Ervebo, several other vaccine candidates are being evaluated against the Bundibugyo strain. Canada has approved Moderna to initiate clinical trials for its experimental vaccine, while two other candidates are under development by Hilleman Laboratories and the University of Oxford. With the epidemic worsening, the United States has committed an additional $242 million in aid to bolster Ebola response efforts in DRC.