Healthcare workers get experimental Ebola vaccine

Healthcare workers and other frontline professionals in Beni, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), have started receiving the Ervebo vaccine through a compassionate use program. This program allows the use of unapproved treatments in life-threatening situations when no other options are available.

Vaccine tested against different Ebola strain

The Ervebo vaccine was previously shown to be effective against the Zaire strain of the Ebola virus. However, it has not been specifically approved for use against the Bundibugyo strain, which is currently causing an outbreak in the DRC. Health officials are using it based on the possibility that the two strains may share enough similarities to offer some protection.

Outbreak reaches alarming levels

As of Wednesday, the DRC has recorded 9,066 confirmed cases and 4,381 deaths from the current Ebola outbreak. The majority of cases are concentrated in Ituri province, and this outbreak is considered the deadliest of the 17 Ebola outbreaks the country has experienced.

Supportive care remains key to survival

Dr. Mohamed Janabi, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) regional director for Africa, noted that 2,400 people have survived the outbreak so far. He emphasized that while no specific vaccine or treatment exists for the Bundibugyo strain, supportive care such as blood transfusions, oxygen therapy, and antibiotics can improve survival rates.

Outbreak occurs amid difficult conditions

The spread of the virus is happening in a context of insecurity, population movements, a healthcare workers’ strike, and large-scale displacement. The WHO has warned that the outbreak remains out of control and could surpass the 2014–2016 West Africa outbreak, which caused over 11,000 deaths.

Vaccine doses allocated for use and testing

In August, the WHO approved 70,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine for use in the DRC. Around 50,000 of these are intended for healthcare workers and frontline personnel, while the remaining 20,000 doses are for a clinical trial to assess the vaccine’s effectiveness against the Bundibugyo strain. This evaluation is crucial since no vaccine or approved treatment currently exists for this strain.