Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo surpasses 2,000 deaths

The deadly Ebola virus has reached a tragic milestone in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with the outbreak officially surpassing 2,000 fatalities, according to the latest official figures released by health authorities.

This relentless epidemic, which has ravaged multiple regions in the country’s eastern and northeastern territories, has now been classified as the most devastating Ebola outbreak ever recorded in DRC. The crisis continues to spread, compounding the challenges faced by communities already struggling with fragile healthcare infrastructure.

Over 4,300 confirmed cases recorded

The latest toll stands at 2,011 deaths out of 4,381 confirmed cases, as reported by Congolese health officials. The fatality rate has climbed to an alarming 45.9%. Originating in Ituri Province, the outbreak has since extended its destructive reach to regions like North Kivu, where ongoing conflict has severely weakened healthcare systems. This crisis now mirrors the devastating impact of the 2018–2020 epidemic, which claimed nearly 2,300 lives across the country.

New vaccine trials underway against the Bundibugyo variant

The current outbreak is driven by the Bundibugyo Ebola variant, for which no approved vaccine currently exists. In response, the World Health Organization has urgently recommended conducting a Phase 3 clinical trial of Ervebo—the only Ebola vaccine currently licensed—despite its original approval targeting a different variant. The extensive safety data available for Ervebo supports an accelerated trial process, with the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (Gavi) pledging to supply doses from the global stockpile, which holds around 500,000 doses. Ervebo is manufactured by the American pharmaceutical company Merck.

Multiple vaccine candidates in development

Beyond Ervebo, several experimental vaccines are being explored to combat the Bundibugyo strain. Canadian regulators have granted Moderna permission to initiate clinical trials for its candidate, while initiatives from Hilleman Laboratories and the University of Oxford are also advancing. In a significant show of international support, the United States has committed over $242 million in additional aid to bolster DRC’s fight against Ebola.