How many lives has the Bundibugyo Ebola strain claimed in DR Congo?

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The Bundibugyo Ebola strain has claimed nearly 1,500 lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

As of the article's publication, the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola has resulted in 1,487 deaths out of 3,360 confirmed cases since May. This outbreak is predominantly concentrated in the northeastern Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Vaccine Development Underway

A Singapore-based organisation, Hilleman Laboratories, announced its commitment to developing a vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain. This initiative aims to combat the escalating outbreak, for which no specific vaccines or treatments were previously available. The organisation, a joint venture between MSD and Wellcome Trust, plans to advance an rVSV-based jab for human clinical trials.
Promising Candidate Identified

World Health Organisation experts have identified a single-dose shot based on the rVSV platform as the "most promising" candidate. This vaccine technology shares the same platform as Ervebo, the only officially licensed Ebola vaccine, although Ervebo targets a different strain, Zaire. MSD, also known as Merck in North America, will provide technical advisory and expertise on the rVSV platform.
Ease of Deployment and Storage

A key advantage of the new Bundibugyo vaccine candidate is its potential for easier deployment compared to existing vaccines. Unlike the Ervebo vaccine, which requires ultra-low temperature storage, the Bundibugyo jab is hoped to remain stable for months in normal refrigerators. This characteristic would significantly reduce logistical challenges and costs, particularly for distribution in remote areas.
Broader Outbreak Context

The epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo represents the third-largest Ebola outbreak on record. Beyond the significant death toll within the country, neighbouring Uganda has also reported 20 confirmed cases, including two deaths. Ebola, a viral haemorrhagic fever, is known to spread through close contact and infected bodily fluids.

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How many lives has the Bundibugyo Ebola strain claimed in DR Congo?

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