WHO Wants to Test the Only Approved Ebola Vaccine Against a Different Strain as Congo Outbreak Hits 4,000 Cases

On 7 August 2026, WHO recommended testing Ervebo, the only approved Ebola vaccine, to see if it also works against the Bundibugyo strain — a different version of the virus. Congo's fastest-spreading Ebola outbreak ever has reached 4,053 cases and 1,850 deaths since mid-May. Animal studies looked promising. Gavi sent 500,000 stockpiled doses, some already there. WHO cautioned against expecting too much.