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Ebola Risk Hits Very High in DRC
22 May
Summary
- Ebola outbreak risk in DRC raised to very high by WHO.
- Bundibugyo strain lacks approved vaccines or treatments.
- WHO prioritizes existing treatments for clinical trials.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Ebola outbreak risk in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to be 'very high'. This escalation is due to the concerning spread of the Bundibugyo strain, for which no vaccines or treatments are currently approved. The situation is challenging, particularly in insecure areas where health workers are working to trace contacts and contain the virus.
The WHO is actively prioritizing existing treatments for clinical trials to assess their effectiveness against this specific Ebola strain. This proactive approach aims to disrupt transmission, especially given the virus's potential for silent dissemination and the absence of rapid vaccine options. Uganda is currently stable, with measures in place to prevent further spread.
Previous outbreaks of the Bundibugyo strain occurred in the DRC in 2012 and Uganda in 2007. While research into candidate vaccines is ongoing, they are not yet available for trials, with potential development timelines ranging from six to nine months. The current focus remains on contact tracing and isolation to control the escalating outbreak.
