Health workers and people exposed to Ebola patients began receiving vaccines in Congo’s Bulape health zone, where authorities recently declared a new outbreak of the deadly virus, according to a press-release by WHO Africa. The first 400 doses of Ervebo vaccine arrived from the country’s emergency stockpile of 2,000 doses kept in Kinshasa. More doses will reach other affected areas over the next few days.
Bulape sits in Kasai Province, one of the current hotspots where the Zaire ebolavirus species has been spreading. This is the same strain that caused previous deadly outbreaks across the region. The vaccination uses a ring strategy, targeting people most likely to catch the virus after contact with confirmed patients.
Health teams are focusing on frontline workers and anyone who came close to infected people. The Ervebo vaccine has proven safe and effective against this type of Ebola. Around 45,000 additional vaccine doses have been approved for shipment to Congo through the International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision. WHO helped develop the request and vaccination rollout plan alongside partners like UNICEF.
Treatment centers in Bulape have also received supplies of Mab114, a monoclonal antibody drug that helps patients fight the infection. WHO has sent 48 specialists to support surveillance, patient care, infection control, and community outreach efforts. These experts work with partner groups to help the government stop the virus from spreading further.
WHO rates the outbreak risk as high nationally, moderate regionally, and low globally. The agency is working with neighboring countries to strengthen their ability to spot cases quickly and respond fast. Early detection and rapid response remain key to preventing larger outbreaks across the region.
