2 hrs ago
Congo Begins Ebola Vaccinations for Front-Line Workers in Outbreak Epicentre
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is giving Ebola vaccines to health workers in areas where the outbreak is worst.
These workers are being vaccinated first because they are closely exposed to sick patients.
The vaccine being used is called Ervebo.
Ervebo was made for a different type of Ebola virus than the one causing this outbreak.
Scientists are studying whether it can still help against the current virus.
The current virus is called Bundibugyo virus, and there is no licensed vaccine or treatment for it yet.
The vaccination campaign is expected to reach about 20,000 front-line workers.
The outbreak has caused thousands of confirmed illnesses and deaths.
Fighting, people moving from place to place and a health workers’ strike have made the response more difficult.
Congo began vaccinating healthcare and other front-line workers in Bunia and Mongbwalu, two hard-hit areas of Ituri province.
Authorities plan to cover about 20,000 front-line workers in Ituri and North Kivu over six to nine months.
The Ervebo vaccine is licensed for the Zaire Ebola strain, not the Bundibugyo virus causing the current outbreak.
Health authorities say Ervebo may offer protection because the viruses are related, but its effectiveness is still being studied.
Government figures reported 7,541 confirmed cases, 3,639 deaths and 1,823 recoveries as of Saturday.
- Who
- Healthcare and other front-line workers are receiving vaccinations, with the campaign led by health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- What
- Authorities began using the Ervebo vaccine in a campaign aimed at protecting workers during the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak.
- Where
- The initial rollout targets Bunia and Mongbwalu in Ituri province, with a wider campaign planned in Ituri and North Kivu.
- When
- The campaign in Bunia and Mongbwalu was announced on Saturday; it is expected to run for six to nine months.
- Why
- Front-line workers are considered particularly exposed to Ebola, while authorities and researchers are investigating whether Ervebo can protect against the Bundibugyo virus.
Protection and Vaccination
Scientific Uncertainty and Worker Concerns
Whether Ervebo can protect against the current virus
Protection and Vaccination
Health authorities say Ervebo could offer some protection against Bundibugyo virus because the two viruses are related, and they are using it under a compassionate-use programme.
Scientific Uncertainty and Worker Concerns
Ervebo is licensed for the Zaire strain, not Bundibugyo virus, and clinical trials are still studying whether it prevents illness from the current outbreak.
Vaccinating workers again
Protection and Vaccination
Authorities are prioritising front-line workers because they are particularly exposed and deeply involved in the response.
Scientific Uncertainty and Worker Concerns
Some workers who previously received Ervebo, including Dr Jean Paul Uzele, said it was unclear whether they needed to be vaccinated a second time.
Key facts
- Targeted workers
- About 20,000 front-line workers in Ituri and North Kivu
- Vaccine
- Ervebo
- Current virus
- Bundibugyo virus
- Licensed use
- Ervebo is licensed for Ebola disease caused by the Zaire strain
- Confirmed cases
- 7,541, according to government figures as of Saturday
- Deaths
- 3,639, according to government figures as of Saturday
- Recoveries
- 1,823, according to government figures as of Saturday
- Available doses
- The World Health Organization said 70,000 doses were approved for use in Congo
Quotes
Maj Gen Gaby Kasongo Mulumba
Military governor of Ituri province
“Our collective duty is to protect life. Launching this vaccination drive for front-line staff in Ituri is not an arbitrary choice, as these workers are particularly exposed and deeply involved in the response.”
thehansindia.com
“We healthcare workers don't really have a choice: we are going to receive it.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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