DR Congo Rolls Out Ebola Vaccine Amid Outbreak
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has begun vaccinating healthcare and other frontline workers as authorities respond to an ongoing Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus.
The vaccination campaign is prioritising people working directly in the outbreak response, including healthcare workers who face increased exposure to the virus. (Africanews)
The vaccine being used is Ervebo, which was developed and licensed for the Zaire strain of Ebola. The current outbreak, however, is caused by the Bundibugyo strain.
The World Health Organization says evidence remains insufficient to establish the vaccine’s effectiveness against Bundibugyo virus disease. For that reason, WHO recommends that Ervebo be used for this outbreak within a research protocol. (World Health Organization)
A vaccination study involving frontline workers is being conducted by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and partners, with the aim of assessing whether Ervebo can provide protection against the current strain.
The response is taking place as health authorities and international partners work to contain the outbreak through vaccination research, surveillance, treatment and other public-health measures.
The development is being closely monitored because of the potential risks associated with Ebola transmission and the need to protect healthcare workers responding to the outbreak.
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