Congo receives more than 16,000 doses of Ebola vaccine as it grapples with unprecedented outbreak
Congo has received over 16,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine to combat a rapidly spreading Ebola outbreak. The current strain is particularly difficult to treat, and containment efforts are hindered by regional conflict and infrastructure issues.
Why it matters
The outbreak is on track to become the deadliest in history, posing a significant public health threat in Central Africa.
BUNIA, Congo — Congo has received more than 16,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine as the country grapples with the fastest Ebola outbreak in history, the country’s health minister said. The 16,250 doses arrived at the N’djili International Airport in the capital, Kinshasa, late Friday, as part of 70,000 doses expected from the World Health Organization and partners that were announced on Thursday. More doses are expected early next week. The current Ebola outbreak in Congo is caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus, which currently has no approved treatment or vaccine. It can spread easily and go undetected because some of its symptoms are similar to other illnesses, such as malaria. The Ervebo vaccine is licensed to treat Ebola and has been effective in past outbreaks.
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