Seven thousand infected in Congo

More than seven thousand people have contracted Bundibugyo Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo since May, with around half dead.

The fastest outbreak ever recorded

Nicole Lurie, executive director for preparedness and response at Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, calls it the most rapidly growing Ebola outbreak ever seen.

“This is the most rapidly growing Ebola outbreak that we've seen. It's probably on pace to be the worst the world has ever seen.”

Violence blocks traditional containment

Millions displaced by conflict make contact tracing impossible. Locals attack Red Cross volunteers and destroy medical equipment, blocking isolation and treatment.

CEPI races to develop vaccine

After first cases in May, CEPI redirected one hundred million dollars to fund vaccine development. Oxford and Moderna candidates have entered safety trials.

Vaccine distrust threatens trials

Teresa Lambe, lead investigator on Oxford's safety trials, worries that even effective vaccines may not be used due to community mistrust.

“The thing that worries me is vaccine distrust and mistrust. And even if we get vaccines that are fabulous, will they be used?”

US cuts hamper global response

The Trump administration's withdrawal from the World Health Organization and cuts to foreign aid have left responders short of staff and basic equipment.

Funding runs out in December

CEPI will exhaust its Ebola program funds by December without additional money, despite the US committing fifty million dollars in June.