A new study suggests the existing Ebola vaccine may offer some protection against multiple strains, but no approved vaccine exists for the Bundibugyo variant currently causing an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Research from the German Center for Infection Research indicates that the licensed Ebola vaccine Ervebo may trigger immune responses against several Ebola strains, including Bundibugyo. However, no vaccine has yet been approved for this variant, which is responsible for the current outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Bundibugyo strain was first identified in 2007 during an outbreak in Uganda and again in 2012 in the DRC. Scientists note that while Ebola is scientifically a strong vaccine candidate due to its predictability, the lack of a vaccine for this strain is partly due to funding priorities and the perception that other strains, like Sudan Ebola, posed a greater immediate threat.
Why it matters
The absence of a vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain leaves populations in affected regions vulnerable during outbreaks.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
Researchers will monitor the effectiveness of existing vaccines against multiple Ebola strains during ongoing outbreaks.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
