Congo’s Ebola outbreak raises concern as WHO reviews possible drugs and vaccines

WHO Flags Bundibugyo Ebola Outbreak

The World Health Organisation has raised concern after Congo reported 906 suspected Ebola cases and 223 suspected deaths under investigation. The outbreak is linked to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which has also been detected in Uganda. Health officials say the situation needs close monitoring because there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments made specifically for this strain. The Bundibugyo strain is considered a serious public health concern, as available Ebola vaccines may not offer confirmed protection against it.

Experimental Treatments Being Studied

WHO has identified three experimental treatments that could help patients infected with the Bundibugyo virus. These include MBP134 from Mapp Biopharmaceutical, maftivimab from Regeneron, and remdesivir from Gilead Sciences. These medicines still need clinical trials to prove how effective they are against this Ebola strain. WHO is also reviewing vaccine options, including rVSV Bundibugyo and ChAdOx1 Bundibugyo, developed with support from Oxford and the Serum Institute of India. Experts say faster contact tracing, early testing, and close monitoring of exposed people will be crucial to control the spread.