World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended two additional vaccine candidates for clinical trials against the Bundibugyo virus responsible for the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where more than 5,100 deaths have been recorded.
The recommendation marks a significant step in efforts to develop an effective vaccine against the virus, for which no vaccine has yet demonstrated efficacy in humans.
The two candidates, ChAdOx1, developed by the University of Oxford in collaboration with the Serum Institute of India, and mRNA-1469, developed by Moderna, have been recommended for inclusion in the ongoing Tumaini clinical trial, subject to approval by Congolese authorities.
According to WHO, the recommendation followed an assessment by independent experts who reviewed available preclinical and early clinical evidence.
Launched on October 23 in Bunia, Ituri Province, the Tumaini trial uses a ring-vaccination approach, targeting people who have been in contact with confirmed Ebola patients.
The trial is also evaluating Ervebo, an existing Ebola vaccine developed against the Zaire strain of the virus. However, its effectiveness against the Bundibugyo strain remains uncertain.In its November 6 situation report, WHO said the DRC had recorded 10,668 confirmed cases and 5,198 deaths as of November 3, across 67 health zones in eight provinces.
Active transmission was ongoing in 51 health zones.Beyond vaccine development, WHO is supporting the PARTNERS clinical trial, which is evaluating experimental treatments for the disease, including the monoclonal antibody MBP134 and the antiviral drug remdesivir.
The study is also examining their combined use, while another monoclonal antibody, maftivimab, is expected to be added.Nigeria Monitors 56 Contacts After Imported Ebola Case.
Meanwhile, Nigeria continues to strengthen surveillance following its first confirmed imported case of Bundibugyo virus disease, reported on October 20 in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) identified 62 contacts linked to the confirmed case, with six completing the mandatory 21-day monitoring period as of November 4.
The remaining 56 contacts were still under surveillance, while Nigeria had recorded no deaths from the infection.The confirmed patient was medically evacuated to Switzerland on October 26 for treatment.
According to the NCDC’s November 7 situation update, Nigeria had screened 642,007 travellers at its points of entry between June 5 and November 6 as part of efforts to strengthen early detection and prevent further transmission.
Kenya Discharges Five Ebola Patients After RecoveryIn Kenya, five patients who contracted the virus were discharged on November 3 after meeting the required recovery criteria, according to WHO.
The country had recorded nine confirmed cases, including two deaths, as of November 3. Two patients remained under treatment, while no new confirmed infections had been reported since October 19.
Of the 135 contacts identified since the first confirmed case, 66 had completed the 21-day monitoring period, while 52 remained under surveillance. Nine others had left the country, with relevant health authorities notified.
WHO continues to urge countries across the region to strengthen disease surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory testing and preparedness at points of entry to limit further transmission. The organisation has also advised against imposing travel or trade restrictions on countries experiencing or responding to the outbreak.
