Ebola vaccine trial to start in DR Congo as warning issued over speed of infections

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is preparing to launch an Ebola vaccine trial, with some doses being utilized for testing effectiveness against the Bundibugyo species of the virus currently spreading in the country. The Ervebo vaccine, known to protect against the Zaïre species of Ebola, does not yet have proven treatments for the Bundibugyo variant.

This rollout coincides with a warning from the World Health Organization (WHO) that Ebola infections in the north and east of DR Congo are "growing exponentially," covering an area larger than France. Over 2,500 deaths have occurred in the outbreak, which began three months ago, and half of those fatalities have occurred in the last 20 days, according to WHO Ebola co-ordinator Julien Harneis.

The outbreak is the deadliest in DR Congo's history and the second-worst globally, surpassed only by the 2014-2016 West Africa outbreak that claimed over 11,000 lives. Experts believe the Bundibugyo strain may have been circulating in the country since at least February, but initial misdiagnoses as typhoid and malaria hindered the response, compounded by challenges in conflict-ridden regions, local distrust of health authorities, and traditional burial practices.

A report by Save the Children reveals that at least 180 Congolese children have lost both parents or caregivers since the outbreak began. The Ervebo vaccine will be evaluated in a clinical trial using 20,000 doses, while 50,000 doses will be distributed to frontline health workers. The WHO and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention have welcomed the allocation, deeming it a crucial boost to the response effort.

Meanwhile, the M23 rebel group, which controls parts of the eastern DR Congo, has imposed new movement restrictions between government-controlled and rebel-held areas in North Kivu province for one month, starting this Saturday. Shared taxis and passenger boats will be suspended, while other transportation will proceed under strict health measures.

The restrictions were prompted by two travelers testing positive for Ebola in a village under M23 control. The rebel authorities claim the measures are necessary to prevent further spread, emphasizing the complexity of combating Ebola amidst ongoing hostilities with the Congolese government. The M23 has attempted to prove its administrative capabilities by proclaiming their zones Ebola-free, despite the ongoing conflict.