At least 15 people have died following a fresh outbreak of the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), authorities confirmed on Wednesday.
The Ministry of Health disclosed that the outbreak was first detected in Kasai Province, where 28 suspected cases have so far been recorded. Laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of the Zaire strain of Ebola after a 34-year-old pregnant woman was admitted to hospital on August 20 with high fever and repeated vomiting. She died within hours from multiple organ failure.
Tragically, four health workers are among those who have lost their lives to the virus, raising concerns about the safety of frontline responders.
WHO Raises Alarm, Sends Emergency Support
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has expressed concern that the number of cases could escalate, warning that transmission remains ongoing.
In a statement, the organisation announced that two tons of medical supplies, including mobile laboratory equipment, were being dispatched to the affected area to strengthen the emergency response.
“Response teams and local teams will work to find the people who may be infected and need to receive care, to ensure everyone is protected as quickly as possible,” WHO said.
The health body also confirmed that Congo already has access to a stockpile of treatments, including 2,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine, which has proven effective against the Zaire strain of Ebola.
Background: Ebola in the DRC
Ebola, first identified in 1976 near the Ebola River in the DRC, is one of the world’s deadliest viral diseases, with fatality rates ranging from 25% to 90% depending on the outbreak and available treatment. The virus spreads through direct contact with the blood, secretions, or bodily fluids of infected individuals. Scientists believe fruit bats are the natural reservoir of the virus.
The DRC has battled multiple outbreaks over the years. The most recent occurred three years ago and claimed six lives, while a far larger epidemic between 2018 and 2020 killed more than 2,000 people—one of the worst Ebola crises in the country’s history.
Next Steps
Health authorities in Congo, in partnership with international agencies, are scaling up surveillance, case tracking, and vaccination campaigns in Kasai Province to contain the spread. Public health experts warn that rapid containment will be crucial to preventing a repeat of past devastating epidemics.
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