FRONTLINE WORKERS TO RECEIVE EBOLA VACCINE

BUNIA, SEPTEMBER 19 /SRNA/ – Vaccination of health workers against Ebola has begun in Bunia, the epicenter of the largest outbreak of the disease in history, authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo said.

Health workers and other frontline personnel involved in the Ebola response are being given priority for the Ervebo vaccine, which proved effective in previous outbreaks caused by another, more common strain of the virus.

Clinical trials are under way to identify a licensed vaccine for the current outbreak, which is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, AP reported.

Health authorities said the vaccination campaign is focused on the Bunia and Mongbwalu areas of Ituri province, both of which are among the areas hardest hit by the virus.

The campaign in Ituri and North Kivu is expected to cover 20,000 frontline workers over a period of six to nine months.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has so far recorded 7,541 confirmed Ebola cases, including 3,639 deaths.