DR Congo Ebola outbreak exceeds 1,700 deaths as WHO speeds vaccine trials

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has surpassed 1,700 deaths, with 3,802 confirmed cases and 1,707 fatalities reported. The epidemic, driven by the Bundibugyo variant, is the largest recorded in the country and is spreading faster than the health response.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has accelerated clinical testing of experimental treatments and vaccines. About 75 patients are enrolled in drug studies, including 50 patients across three treatment centres and 25 prophylaxis participants. Trials are under way in the United Kingdom and Canada, with Moderna’s mRNA vaccine entering a Phase 1 trial in Canada and an Oxford‑developed vaccine being tested in the UK. Additional vaccine candidates are being evaluated, and the WHO calls for increased financial and logistical support to expand treatment capacity and field teams.

WHO officials, including Vasee Moorthy, highlighted promising early laboratory data but warned that even if the candidates prove effective, months will be needed before they can be widely deployed. The outbreak has also infected over 100 health‑care workers and affected five provinces, with the majority of cases in Ituri.