Over 4,300 confirmed cases reported

The crisis has resulted in 2,011 fatalities out of 4,381 confirmed cases, as confirmed by Congolese health officials. The mortality rate stands at a staggering 45.9%. Originating in Ituri province in the northeast, the virus has since extended its reach into regions like North Kivu, where ongoing conflict has left health infrastructure severely weakened. The current outbreak now rivals the devastating 2018-2020 epidemic, which previously held the grim record with nearly 2,300 deaths in the DRC.

Clinical trials underway for existing Ebola vaccine

This latest surge is driven by the Bundibugyo variant, for which no approved vaccine currently exists. The World Health Organization has endorsed testing Ervebo—the only Ebola vaccine with current approval—in a phase 3 clinical trial. Given the extensive safety data already compiled, researchers are moving directly to large-scale testing. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, will supply doses from the global Ervebo stockpile, which holds approximately 500,000 doses. The vaccine is manufactured by U.S.-based Merck.

Multiple vaccine candidates under evaluation

Additional candidates are also in development to combat the Bundibugyo strain. Canada has granted Moderna approval to initiate clinical trials for its experimental vaccine, while two other potential solutions are being developed by Hilleman Laboratories and the University of Oxford. In response to the escalating crisis, the United States has pledged over $242 million in additional funding to bolster Ebola response efforts in the DRC.