By The Democratic Republic of the Congo has declared a fresh outbreak of Ebola in Kasai Province, the 16th time the virus has resurfaced in the country since it was first discovered in 1976.
Health Minister Roger Kamba announced the outbreak on Thursday in Kinshasa, confirming that the Zaire strain has been detected in the Bulape health zone. So far, 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths have been recorded, including four health workers.
The first known patient was a 34-year-old pregnant woman admitted to Bulape General Reference Hospital on August 20 with fever, bleeding and severe weakness. She died five days later, and several others soon showed similar symptoms.
Samples tested in Kinshasa confirmed Ebola on September 3. The disease has since spread to Bulape and Mweka health zones.
To contain the outbreak, a rapid response team backed by the World Health Organization is already in Kasai. They are strengthening disease surveillance, providing treatment and guiding communities on how to stay safe. WHO is also sending two tonnes of supplies, including protective gear and mobile lab kits, to support health workers.
Access to Kasai remains a challenge as the province is far from the capital and takes at least a day’s drive from Tshikapa, with limited flights in and out.
The government says 2,000 doses of the Ervebo Ebola vaccine are available in Kinshasa and will be moved quickly to Kasai to vaccinate contacts and frontline workers.
The DRC’s last Ebola outbreak was in 2022 in North Kivu Province, where a single case was confirmed. The deadliest was the 2018–2020 outbreak in North Kivu and Ituri, which killed nearly 2,300 people.
Ebola is a rare but deadly disease. It spreads through direct contact with blood and body fluids of infected people or animals. Though fatal in many cases, early detection and vaccination can save lives.
