WHO warns Ebola vaccine may take nine months as death toll rises
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a growing Ebola outbreak involving the Bundibugyo species, with 600 suspected cases and 139 suspected deaths. The WHO has cautioned that it could take up to nine months before a vaccine specifically targeting this Ebola strain is available, highlighting the challenges in controlling the epidemic.
Current outbreak status
The outbreak is centered in the eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), particularly Ituri and North Kivu, where 51 cases have been confirmed. Two additional cases have been confirmed in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, both linked to travel from DR Congo, with one fatality. The WHO expects the number of cases and deaths to increase due to delays in detecting the virus.
Healthcare workers are among the fatalities, raising concerns about the safety of frontline responders. Local health facilities report being overwhelmed with suspected cases and lacking adequate protective equipment, despite recent deliveries of personal protective gear.
Vaccine development challenges
Two candidate vaccines against the Bundibugyo Ebola species are under development, but neither has yet undergone clinical trials. Dr. Vasee Moorthy, a WHO advisor, explained that one candidate vaccine is similar to the only currently approved Ebola vaccine, which protects against the Zaire species but not Bundibugyo. This vaccine is considered the most promising for Bundibugyo but is still likely six to nine months away from readiness.
The second candidate vaccine, based on the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine platform, is in the manufacturing stage but lacks animal trial data to confirm its effectiveness. It may be available for clinical trials in two to three months, but significant uncertainty remains about its potential.
There are currently no approved drugs specifically targeting the Bundibugyo species, complicating treatment efforts.
WHO response and international support
On Sunday, the WHO declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern but stated it is not at pandemic level. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that the risk is high at national and regional levels but low globally. The WHO emergency committee agreed the situation does not constitute a pandemic emergency.
The UK government has pledged up to £20 million to support outbreak containment efforts, funding frontline health workers, infection control, and disease surveillance.
Challenges in outbreak control
The first known case was a nurse who died in late April in Bunia, Ituri province. The virus is believed to have spread undetected for some time, complicating efforts to contain it. Ebola’s symptoms resemble those of common illnesses like malaria and typhoid, making early diagnosis difficult.
Eastern DR Congo’s ongoing conflict further hampers response efforts. Local populations have adapted behaviors such as avoiding handshakes to reduce transmission risk, reflecting growing awareness of the outbreak’s severity.
Why this matters
The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak poses a significant public health threat in a region already challenged by conflict and limited healthcare resources. The absence of an approved vaccine or targeted treatments for this Ebola species increases the risk of further spread and fatalities. The extended timeline for vaccine development underscores the urgent need for effective containment measures and international support to protect vulnerable populations and healthcare workers.
Recommended reading
For more context, see related Peack News coverage and explainers linked below.
