DR Congo Ebola cases exceed 9,000 as vaccine trial nears

The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak has reached 9,066 confirmed cases and 4,381 deaths, while evidence that an existing vaccine prompts an immune response to the strain has not established that it protects people from illness. The Congolese Health Ministry’s situation report recorded the totals as of October 11, with cases reported across 65 health zones in seven provinces. The outbreak was declared on May 15. Ituri remains the main focus, accounting for about 74% of confirmed cases, according to figures reported by authorities. The outbreak’s reported case fatality rate is 48.3%. No vaccine or treatment has been specifically approved for Bundibugyo Ebola. Ervebo is licensed against the Zaire strain, a different Ebola virus, and has been given to frontline workers under research protocols and other arrangements. A study involving 20 people who received Ervebo found Bundibugyo-reactive T-cell responses in 13 participants 28 days after vaccination. Researchers said the findings show that the vaccine can prompt immune cells to recognize the virus. The study did not determine whether those responses prevent infection or improve outcomes for people who...