Ebola vaccination begins in DR Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has launched a vaccination campaign against Ebola virus disease, which has been affecting the country since mid-May. Priority is given to healthcare providers, frontline workers, and individuals who have come into direct contact with confirmed patients.

There have been more than 5,600 confirmed Ebola cases in the DRC, including more than 2,700 deaths, since the outbreak was declared on May 15. Driven by the rare Bundibugyo species of the virus -- for which there are no vaccines or treatments -- the outbreak is the biggest in the DRC's history.