New Treatment Trials Begin Amid Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo
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New clinical trials for a potential treatment targeting the virus responsible for the deadly Ebola outbreak currently affecting the African nation of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) have begun, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the first patient was admitted for the trial in DR Congo on Thursday.
So far, during this latest outbreak, over 1,400 cases of Ebola infection have been confirmed in DR Congo alone, with 438 deaths.
Development of Treatment Methods
Image source: EPA
Currently, no approved vaccine or treatment exists for the highly contagious Bundibugyo virus strain causing this outbreak.
The trial is being conducted by the WHO in coordination with DR Congo’s health research agencies, Belgium’s Institute of Tropical Medicine, and scientists from the University of Oxford in the UK.
Speaking to reporters at WHO headquarters in Geneva on Thursday, Tedros said, “Following the admission of the first patient, clinical trials of two different comprehensive treatment regimens have commenced.”
“Although some patients recover without approved treatments, having a safe and effective therapy could save thousands of lives.”
Results May Take Months to Emerge
WHO experts note that these clinical trials might take several months, and meaningful conclusions will require participation of over 1,000 patients.
Updated figures indicate the number of Ebola cases in DR Congo has risen to 1,460, with nearly 450 fatalities. Uganda has recorded 20 cases and two deaths. France reported one confirmed case as of July 1.
The latest Ebola outbreak began in May in DR Congo and Uganda.
The World Health Organization has declared this outbreak a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern.”
Ebola infection results from a virus that attacks the body’s immune system and organs.
Typically, fruit bats are carriers of the virus, which can sometimes spread to humans through contact with infected animals.
Once symptoms appear, human-to-human transmission can occur. The incubation period ranges from 2 to 21 days.
Early symptoms such as fever, headache, and fatigue resemble those of flu or cold and onset is often abrupt.
There are eight known types of Ebola virus, but only three have caused outbreaks. Effective vaccines vary depending on the species involved.
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