Why existing vaccines won’t help this Ebola outbreak

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1. 1h ago

   No vaccine exists for this Ebola strain—efforts to develop one are underway

   The current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo involves the rare Bundibugyo species, for which no approved vaccine exists. Existing vaccines target other Ebola strains and will not work. Scientists are racing to develop a new vaccine, but clinical trials and production will take time. The outbreak has already spread significantly and is among the largest on record.

   What's confirmed:

   • The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, a rare variant for which no existing vaccine has been approved.
   • Existing Ebola vaccines, such as those developed for the Sudan or Zaire species, are ineffective against the Bundibugyo strain.
   • Scientists are developing new vaccines, including mRNA-based candidates, but clinical trials have not yet begun.
   • The World Health Organization has convened expert meetings to fast-track vaccine development and identify potential candidates for the Bundibugyo strain.
   • Public Health Vaccines has received $1.9 million from CEPI to accelerate development of a Bundibugyo ebolavirus vaccine.
   • This is the 17th Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo since the virus was first identified there in 1976.
   • The outbreak is occurring in conflict-affected regions, complicating response efforts.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • Some experts suggest this outbreak could become one of the worst Ebola epidemics on record, though exact projections remain uncertain.
   • Moderna is reportedly racing to develop an mRNA vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain, but no official confirmation of their involvement has been released.
   • A vaccine may not be available for months, potentially leaving affected populations without protection for the near future.
   confidence 97%