Photocredit:Google
Health officials in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have confirmed a fresh outbreak of Ebola virus disease in Kasai Province, where 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths—including four healthcare workers—had been recorded as of September 4, 2025.
According to a statement released on Thursday by the World Health Organization (WHO), the outbreak is concentrated in the Bulape and Mweka health zones, where teams began investigations after patients presented symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, and bleeding.
This resurgence comes at a time when Central and West Africa are already dealing with overlapping health and humanitarian challenges, including cholera, malnutrition, and widespread displacement.
The DRC’s most recent Ebola outbreak occurred in Equateur Province in April 2022 and was successfully contained within three months. Kasai Province has also experienced previous flare-ups, notably in 2007 and 2008. Overall, the country has documented 15 Ebola outbreaks since the disease was first identified in 1976.
Ebola virus disease, while rare, is often fatal. It is introduced to humans through close contact with the blood or bodily fluids of infected animals such as fruit bats—believed to be the natural hosts—and spreads between people through direct contact with infected blood, secretions, contaminated objects, or the bodies of those who died from the virus.
Laboratory tests carried out on September 3 at the National Institute of Biomedical Research in Kinshasa confirmed the presence of Ebola Zaire, one of the most lethal strains of the virus.
To support the response, a national Rapid Response Team—reinforced by WHO specialists in epidemiology, infection control, laboratory services, and case management—has been dispatched to Kasai. Their mission is to boost surveillance, treatment, and infection prevention measures in health facilities.
Risk communication experts have also been mobilized to engage communities on prevention methods. Meanwhile, WHO has begun delivering two tonnes of critical supplies, including protective gear, mobile lab equipment, and medicines. Logistics remain difficult, however, as the affected areas are remote—at least a day’s drive from Tshikapa, the provincial capital, with limited air connections.
“We are acting decisively to stop the virus from spreading further and to safeguard communities,” said Dr. Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “Drawing on the DRC’s extensive experience in managing Ebola, we are working closely with health authorities to accelerate key interventions and bring the outbreak under control as quickly as possible.”
WHO cautioned that the number of cases may rise in the coming days as transmission continues. Response teams are tracing contacts to ensure timely care and containment.
The DRC has pre-positioned a stockpile of treatments and 2,000 doses of the Ervebo Ebola vaccine in Kinshasa. These will be quickly deployed to Kasai to vaccinate contacts and frontline health workers at highest risk of infection.
Kindly Share This!!!
PunchNews
0 Comments