DRC Ebola outbreak exceeds 9,000 cases and 4,000 deaths

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s worst-ever Ebola outbreak has surpassed 9,000 reported cases and more than 4,000 deaths, according to figures released by health authorities on Tuesday.

The outbreak began in Ituri province in northeastern DRC and has since reached seven provinces in the country’s north and east. It is the country’s 17th Ebola outbreak.

Response hindered by insecurity and distrust

The outbreak was officially declared in mid-May. Experts believe the virus may have emerged weeks or even months before that declaration, although the timing remains an estimate.

Efforts to contain the disease have been complicated by limited healthcare resources and the presence of armed groups. Medical workers and humanitarian staff have also faced distrust among local communities, creating additional difficulties for the response.

The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus. There is no approved vaccine or treatment for that strain, according to the verified information available on the outbreak.

Vaccine trial planned

The World Health Organization said on Tuesday that a clinical trial for a vaccine is scheduled to begin in the DRC this month. The source information does not provide the precise date or further details of the planned trial.

Frontline volunteers have received doses of the Ervebo vaccine. Ervebo is effective against the Zaire strain of Ebola, while the current outbreak is attributed to the Bundibugyo strain.

The latest figures underline the scale of the outbreak and the challenges facing health authorities, medical workers, humanitarian staff and volunteers working in affected communities.