The Ebola Virus has killed at least 3,000 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo since the disease broke out in mid-May.

DRC’s health authorities said on Wednesday that  6,186 cases were confirmed, including 3,007 deaths, while 830 people are currently being treated or isolated and 1,409 have recovered.

The outbreak has been difficult to contain because it involves the Bundibugyo strain, for which no specific vaccine or treatment currently exists.

Clinical trials of two antiviral treatments have been ongoing since early July. The fatality rate stands at 48.6 per cent, with young children recording high mortality.

Health authorities are also assessing whether the Ervebo vaccine, approved against the Zaire strain, could protect against Bundibugyo.

According to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, 70,000 doses of Ervebo are made available, with more than 16,000 already delivered. Africa CDC said there was no evidence to support suspicions that the Bundibugyo strain had mutated.

Of the doses, 20,000 are earmarked for a phase three trial to assess effectiveness against Bundibugyo.

Meanwhile,  50,000 are meant for healthcare workers and other frontline personnel. The first vaccinations under the trial have been administered.

It, however, remains unclear whether Ervebo protects against Bundibugyo. Initial laboratory and animal studies, however, suggest the vaccine could provide some protection.