A race to contain a deadly Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has taken a new turn, with global health experts recommending trials to test whether an existing vaccine can protect against the fast-spreading strain.
The World Health Organization’s vaccine advisory group has recommended the use of Ervebo in a Phase III human trial to assess its effectiveness against the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola. Ervebo is currently the only licensed Ebola vaccine and has already shown strong protection against the Zaire strain, the more common form of the virus.
WHO experts say early findings, particularly from animal studies, indicate that the vaccine could provide some cross-protection against Bundibugyo. The recommendation comes as the Democratic Republic of Congo records more than 4,000 confirmed cases and over 1,800 deaths from the outbreak.
In reviewing available data, experts noted studies showing improved survival rates among vaccinated animals exposed to the Bundibugyo strain.They also concluded that there were no major safety concerns about using Ervebo in a clinical trial, given its previous use among hundreds of thousands of people in Africa.
 However, WHO officials warned that the vaccine may not provide complete protection against infection or transmission, but could help reduce severe illness and fatalities. Health authorities say a vaccine specifically developed for the Bundibugyo strain remains the preferred solution, with several candidates currently undergoing early stages of testing.
The WHO says expanding research and improving vaccination strategies will be crucial as efforts continue to slow the spread of the Ebola outbreak in the DRC.
