Oxford University Starts Human Trials of Ebola Vaccine Targeting Bundibugyo Strain

The University of Oxford began human trials of an Ebola vaccine on July 15. The trial will test the vaccine on 50 healthy adults in Oxford, UK, and targets the Bundibugyo strain. There is no known vaccine or treatment for the Bundibugyo strain.

The virus spread undetected in the DR Congo for weeks before reaching two new provinces. Congolese health officials confirmed new cases and one death in two more northeastern provinces. Nearly 2,000 people have been infected and more than 700 have died since mid-May in DR Congo and parts of Uganda.

The World Health Organization warned last week that the true scale of the outbreak could be two to four times higher than official data suggests. Health workers' containment efforts have been hampered by misinformation, ongoing conflict near virus-hit communities, and shortages caused by Western aid cuts.