CEPI calls DRC Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak fastest-growing ever seen
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The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations says the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has infected more than 7,000 people since May, with about half dying. CEPI redirected $100 million to develop vaccines, and safety trials are underway with efficacy trials expected this month. The outbreak is the fastest-growing Ebola epidemic ever recorded, according to CEPI's Nicole Lurie.
Key Facts
- More than 7,000 people have contracted the Bundibugyo Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo since May, with around half dying, according to WHO-compiled government data.
- CEPI redirected $100 million of internal funding to develop a vaccine after the first Bundibugyo cases were reported in May.
- Oxford University's ChAdOx1 BDBV vaccine, manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, and Moderna's vaccine candidate have entered safety trials, with efficacy trials expected to start this month.
- CEPI's Nicole Lurie says the outbreak is the most rapidly growing Ebola outbreak ever seen and is probably on pace to be the worst the world has ever seen.
Outbreak Scale and Speed
The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has infected more than 7,000 people since May, with about half dying, according to government data compiled by the World Health Organization. Nicole Lurie, CEPI's executive director for preparedness and response, describes the outbreak as the most rapidly growing Ebola epidemic ever seen and probably on pace to be the worst the world has ever seen. Lurie says that other than Covid, which affected the whole world, this outbreak has frightened her the most.
Vaccine Development and Challenges
Shortly after the first Bundibugyo cases were reported in May, CEPI redirected $100 million of internal funding to develop a vaccine. That funding helped scientists at the Serum Institute of India manufacture doses of Oxford University's ChAdOx1 BDBV vaccine at record speed. Both the Oxford vaccine and Moderna's candidate, also supported by CEPI, have entered safety trials, with efficacy trials expected to start this month. Teresa Lambe, lead scientific investigator in the Oxford safety trials, says vaccine distrust and mistrust worry her, and she questions whether even effective vaccines will be used.
Operational Difficulties in DRC
Instability in the DRC has displaced millions of people and made contact tracing a struggle, according to Lurie. Distrust of outside humanitarian workers has led to attacks on Red Cross volunteers, destruction of medical equipment including ambulances, and delays for safe burial teams. Lurie says she does not think the outbreak can be brought to an end without a vaccine.
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