Ebola Outbreak in Central Africa Lacks Approved Vaccines, Treatments
4 verified6 unconfirmed
An Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus is ongoing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, with no licensed vaccines or treatments specifically approved for this strain. Multiple health agencies have noted that the response is complicated by armed conflict and large-scale displacement in affected areas. The World Health Organization and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention have launched coordinated efforts to strengthen surveillance, community engagement, and clinical care. Research into candidate therapeutics and vaccines is underway, with experts recommending that any use of these products occur within clinical trials. A senior WHO official made a direct appeal for a ceasefire to allow health workers to safely reach communities. The outbreak highlights challenges in containing a virus for which proven medical countermeasures are not yet available.
What’s verified
The current Ebola outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus.
No licensed vaccines or treatments are specifically approved for the Bundibugyo virus.
The outbreak is affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
The response is complicated by armed conflict and displacement in the region.
Not yet confirmed
The total number of confirmed cases and deaths, reported by one source as about 400 cases and 63 deaths.
US CDC computer modeling projects a range of 10,000 to over 20,000 cases if interventions are not strengthened.
Africa CDC and WHO launched a joint continental response plan aiming to raise US$518 million.
Candidate treatments and vaccines are being evaluated in clinical trials, including monoclonal antibodies, the antiviral remdesivir, and vaccines from IAVI and Oxford/Serum Institute.
A WHO director-general made a personal appeal for a ceasefire to allow health workers to reach affected communities.
Over 90% of cases have been reported in DRC’s Ituri province, according to one source.
Misconceptions
The licensed Ebola vaccine Ervebo is not approved for the Bundibugyo virus and should not be used outside research settings, according to WHO advisory groups.
Past CDC modeling during the 2014 West Africa outbreak proved to be inaccurate, with a worst-case projection that was far higher than actual cases.
Key figures
Dr Satish Pillai – CDC incident manager for Ebola response
Jennifer Nuzzo – Director, Brown University Pandemic Center
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus – Director-General, World Health Organization
Dr Jean Kaseya – Director-General, Africa CDC
Sources: The Guardian, World Health Organization
