Ebola Vaccine Trial Begins in DR Congo Amid Rapid Spread

Sun Sep 06 2026 01:21:18 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

DR Congo launches Ervebo vaccine trial against the Bundibugyo strain as cases surge beyond 2,400 deaths.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has started a trial of the Ervebo vaccine to test its effectiveness against the Bundibugyo Ebola strain, which is driving a deadly outbreak across North and East Kivu. WHO warned that the virus is spreading faster and wider than previous responses and has already claimed almost 2,500 lives. Health officials plan to use 20,000 doses for the trial and 50,000 doses for front‑line workers, while rebel groups in the region imposed strict movement limits to curb spread. With limited diagnostics, mistrust of authorities and conflict zones, the epidemic remains a complex challenge for both governments and international partners.

Ebola Vaccine Trial Begins in DR Congo Amid Rapid Spread

The Democratic Republic of Congo is launching a test of the Ervebo vaccine to determine if it protects against the Bundibugyo species that is now comically sweeping through North and East Kivu. The vaccine is known to guard against the Zaïre strain but had no proven protection for Bundibugyo; this trial could be a turning point.

WHO officials have warned that the virus is growing “exponentially” and now covers an area larger than France, with almost 2,500 deaths reported since the outbreak was declared three months ago. In the past 20 days alone, about half of those fatalities occurred.

World Health Organization confirmed that 20,000 doses of the vaccine will be used for the clinical trial and an additional 50,000 doses will be distributed to frontline health workers. This rapid deployment is described by WHO and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention as a vital reinforcement of the response.

The Ebola outbreak also faces logistical hurdles: early cases were misdiagnosed as typhoid or malaria, and the North Kivu region remains a conflict zone. The M23 rebel group has imposed a one‑month restriction on shared taxis and passenger boats between government‑held and rebel‑held territory to limit movement after two travelers tested positive in a village under rebel control.

Symptoms of the Bundibugyo strain—fever, headache, fatigue—are similar to flu or malaria and can turn into vomiting and diarrhoea; transmission occurs through contact with bodily fluids. Health teams are now working under strict safety protocols and traditional burial practices are being adapted to contain spread.

For a deeper look into how DR Congo’s health workers are managing the outbreak, visit BBC Africa’s coverage. Follow our live updates using @BBCAfrica for real‑time eyewitness reports and community discussion.