DR Congo Races to Contain Fastest-Growing Ebola Epidemic in History
What Happened
Congo has begun vaccinating frontline health workers and Ebola responders with the Ervebo vaccine as it battles the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak ever recorded. The outbreak has spread across multiple provinces, with authorities reporting over 5,700 confirmed cases and nearly 2,800 deaths. More than 50,000 vaccine doses have already been deployed, while additional doses will support clinical trials.
Key Takeaways
The outbreak remains out of control and is on track to surpass the 2014-16 West Africa Ebola epidemic, the deadliest on record. Congo is using the Ervebo vaccine under emergency provisions while scientists work to develop a licensed vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain, which is driving the current outbreak.