More than 3,000 people have died from the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, health authorities confirmed on Wednesday.
Officials said 6,186 cases have been recorded since the outbreak was declared in mid-May, with 3,007 deaths reported so far.
A further 830 people are currently receiving treatment or remain in isolation, while 1,409 patients have recovered.
The outbreak has recorded a fatality rate of 48.6 per cent, with young children reportedly experiencing particularly high mortality rates.
Ebola is transmitted through direct physical contact with infected people or exposure to infected bodily fluids. The virus can cause severe symptoms, including high fever, diarrhoea and bleeding.
Health authorities said containing the outbreak has been particularly challenging because it involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there is currently no specific vaccine or approved treatment.
Clinical trials for two antiviral treatments have been underway since early July, while health officials are also assessing whether the Ervebo vaccine, which is approved for the Zaire strain of Ebola, can provide protection against the Bundibugyo strain.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Africa CDC, said 70,000 doses of Ervebo had been made available, with more than 16,000 doses already delivered.
Of the available doses, 20,000 have been allocated for a Phase III clinical trial to determine the vaccine’s effectiveness against the Bundibugyo strain, while 50,000 doses have been designated for healthcare workers and other frontline personnel.
The first vaccinations under the trial have already been administered, although experts are yet to establish whether Ervebo offers protection against the Bundibugyo strain.
Initial laboratory and animal studies, however, suggest that the vaccine could provide some level of protection.
The Africa CDC also said there was no evidence to support claims that the Bundibugyo strain had mutated.
The current outbreak is the 17th Ebola outbreak recorded in the DRC. It began in the northeastern Ituri Province before spreading to six provinces.
Authorities continue to intensify surveillance, treatment and vaccination efforts as they work to contain the outbreak and reduce further loss of life.
