WHO Calls for Testing Licensed Ebola Vaccine Against Bundibugyo Strain as DRC Outbreak Reaches 4,000 Cases

On 7 August 2026, WHO recommended human trials of Ervebo — the only licensed Ebola vaccine — to test whether it protects against the Bundibugyo strain. DRC's fastest-spreading outbreak on record has hit 4,053 cases and 1,850 deaths since mid-May. Animal studies were encouraging. Gavi released 500,000 stockpiled doses, some already in DRC. WHO urged caution on expected efficacy.