A medical trial is underway in the Democratic Republic of Congo's eastern Ituri Province, where more than 250 people are participating in a study of a post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) drug that could prevent Ebola infection. The trial began in July and aims to recruit nearly 1,000 adults or children over the age of 12 who have come into contact with a confirmed Ebola case within the last five days but have no symptoms.
The participants in the trial have all been exposed to the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there is currently no licensed vaccine. The experimental antiviral pill being tested is administered immediately after suspected contact with the virus. According to one trial participant, the motivation to take part in the trial came after the death of a family member who tested positive for Ebola.
The trial participant said that seeing families where almost everyone became infected with Ebola after a single case was found motivated her to join the trial. However, she noted that among those who participated in the trial, no one became sick with the disease. Investigating physician Jacques Zawadi said that the overall feeling among participants was one of satisfaction with the trial.
Zawadi stated that identifying a medication to treat a disease that currently has no treatment gives hope to those affected. Most participants are happy to be part of the trial and benefit from the treatment, although it is still an experimental stage. The trial involves monitoring participants in-person every day for 21 days, with a final phone call or visit after 42 days.
The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo, declared in mid-May, has recorded at least 8,300 confirmed cases, including 4,000 deaths. The country has started vaccinating health workers with the Ervebo vaccine, which was effective in previous Ebola outbreaks caused by a different virus. Authorities believe that Ervebo could offer some protection against the Bundibugyo virus, but further studies are needed to confirm this.
The trial of the post-exposure prophylaxis drug is one of several studies launched to fight the disease. Experts see this trial as a critical step in the fight against what is the country's deadliest outbreak of Ebola. According to one participant, taking part in the trial has given her hope that she will not become infected with the virus.
The Democratic Republic of Congo continues to grapple with the Ebola outbreak, which has had a significant impact on the country, particularly on children. With the trial of the post-exposure prophylaxis drug, there is hope that the spread of the disease can be contained.
Key points
- Over 250 people in DR Congo's Ituri Province are taking part in a trial of an experimental antiviral pill that could prevent Ebola infection after exposure to the virus.
- The trial aims to recruit nearly 1,000 adults or children over the age of 12 who have come into contact with a confirmed Ebola case within the last five days but have no symptoms.
- The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo, declared in mid-May, has recorded at least 8,300 confirmed cases, including 4,000 deaths.
