The World Health Organization has raised the public health risk of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo from “high” to “very high” as infections continue to spread across the country.
Health officials reported nearly 750 suspected Ebola cases and 177 suspected deaths linked to the outbreak. The virus strain involved in this outbreak is the rare Bundibugyo species, which currently has no approved vaccine.
WHO Raises Alert Level
WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced the updated risk assessment during a health briefing in Geneva. He said the national threat level in DR Congo is now considered “very high,” while the regional risk across Africa remains “high.” However, the global risk is still classified as “low.”
According to health officials, 82 Ebola cases have already been confirmed in DR Congo, including seven confirmed deaths.
Rare Ebola Strain Creates Concern
The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola worries experts because researchers have limited tools to fight it. Unlike other Ebola types, this rare species does not yet have a proven vaccine.
Ebola is a dangerous viral disease that usually spreads from infected animals to humans. Fruit bats are believed to be the natural carriers of the virus. In some cases, outbreaks begin after people handle or consume infected animals.
Although the Bundibugyo strain is considered less deadly than some other Ebola variants, it still kills nearly one third of infected patients.
Oxford Scientists Working on New Vaccine
Scientists at University of Oxford are currently developing a new vaccine to target the Bundibugyo strain. Researchers believe the vaccine could enter clinical trials within the next two to three months.
The team is using technology similar to the one used to create the AstraZeneca Covid vaccine. Experts have already started animal testing in Oxford to study the vaccine’s effectiveness.
However, researchers say they still need further testing before confirming whether the vaccine works safely in humans.
India Could Help Produce Vaccine
The Serum Institute of India is expected to help mass produce the vaccine once scientists provide medical grade materials.
Meanwhile, another experimental Bundibugyo vaccine is also under development. Early reports suggest researchers may need six to nine months before they can begin testing that vaccine.
Uganda Monitoring Situation Closely
Health officials also confirmed two Ebola cases and one death in neighbouring Uganda. Authorities said both infected individuals had recently travelled from DR Congo.
Despite the cases, WHO described the situation in Uganda as stable and said officials continue to monitor the spread carefully.
