Congo Ebola death toll tops 1,400 as vaccine trials start

July 27, 2026 - 05:43

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has reached a grim milestone, with the death toll now exceeding 1,400 people. According to health officials, confirmed infections have climbed past 3,200, and the fatality rate remains alarmingly high at nearly one in two patients. The outbreak, which has been spreading for over a year, is now the second deadliest in the country's history.

In a major development, scientists have started clinical trials for the first vaccines specifically targeting the rare Bundibugyo strain of the virus. Unlike the more common Zaire strain, which has an existing vaccine, the Bundibugyo strain has no approved preventative treatment. Researchers are racing to test two experimental vaccines on volunteers in affected areas, hoping to contain the spread and reduce the high mortality rate.

The outbreak has been particularly challenging due to ongoing conflict and community mistrust in the eastern regions of the country. Health workers have faced attacks and resistance from locals who are skeptical of foreign medical teams. Despite these obstacles, the World Health Organization and local authorities continue to deploy response teams, though they warn that the virus is still not under control. The new vaccine trials offer a glimmer of hope, but officials stress that containment efforts must also address the underlying security and social issues fueling the crisis.