The Democratic Republic of the Congo has confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in Kasai Province, where 15 people have died and 28 suspected cases have been identified as of September 4th.
The World Health Organization announced Thursday that the outbreak has hit two health zones – Bulape and Mweka – with patients showing typical Ebola symptoms like fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and bleeding.
Laboratory tests at the National Institute of Biomedical Research in Kinshasa confirmed the outbreak is caused by Ebola Zaire, the most dangerous strain of the virus. Among the 15 deaths, four were healthcare workers.
The remote location of the outbreak is making response efforts challenging, with limited road and air access to affected areas.
A national emergency team backed by WHO experts has been sent to Kasai to help contain the spread.
They’re focusing on finding people who had contact with patients and providing treatment to suspected cases.
WHO has delivered two tonnes of medical supplies, including protective gear and mobile laboratory equipment.
Dr. Mohamed Janabi, WHO’s Regional Director for Africa, said they’re working quickly to stop the virus from spreading further.
The DRC plans to use its existing stockpile of Ebola treatments and 2,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine, currently stored in Kinshasa, to protect frontline workers and high-risk individuals.
This isn’t Kasai’s first encounter with Ebola – the province experienced deadly outbreaks in 2007 and 2008.
Across the country, this marks the DRC’s 16th Ebola outbreak since the virus was first discovered there in 1976.
The most recent outbreak occurred in Equateur Province in April 2022 but was successfully contained within three months.
Ebola is transmitted from infected animals like fruit bats to humans, and then spreads person-to-person through contact with bodily fluids. While rare, it’s often fatal if not treated quickly.
Health officials expect case numbers may increase in coming days but stress that rapid response is key to preventing a larger crisis in Central Africa.
