Congo Intensifies Ebola Fight As Cases Cross 11,000 And New Vaccine Trials Advance

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has intensified efforts to contain its deadly Ebola outbreak through enhanced disease surveillance, contact tracing, patient isolation and international cooperation, as infections continue to rise across the country.

According to the latest health ministry data released on November 11, the outbreak has infected 11,042 people and claimed 5,387 lives, making it the country's deadliest Ebola outbreak. The virus has spread to eight of the country's 26 provinces, with armed conflicts and weaknesses in the healthcare system complicating containment efforts.

Health authorities, in coordination with the World Health Organization (WHO) and humanitarian organisations, are strengthening surveillance to identify infected individuals and trace people who have come into contact with them. Suspected patients are being isolated, while dedicated treatment facilities are providing supportive medical care.

Healthcare workers are being trained to follow strict infection prevention procedures, including the use of personal protective equipment, hand hygiene, disinfection and safe disposal of contaminated medical waste. Specially trained teams are also conducting safe and dignified burials to prevent transmission through contact with infected bodies.

Public awareness campaigns are being conducted with community leaders and local organisations to educate people about Ebola symptoms, transmission and the importance of seeking medical assistance. Authorities are also strengthening border surveillance, traveller screening and coordination with neighbouring countries.

Meanwhile, vaccine research has gained momentum. On November 4, the WHO recommended adding two experimental vaccine candidates, ChAdOx1, developed by the University of Oxford in collaboration with the Serum Institute of India, and mRNA-1469, developed by Moderna, to the ongoing Tumaini clinical trial in Congo. The research uses a ring-vaccination approach targeting contacts of infected individuals, with initial results expected in early 2027.

However, the outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, for which no approved vaccine or specific treatment is currently available. Although supportive care can improve survival chances, armed conflicts, limited healthcare access and delayed detection continue to hamper containment efforts.