Ebola Outbreak Declared in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's Kasai Province

On September 4, 2025, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) declared its 16th Ebola virus disease outbreak, this time in Kasai Province. The outbreak has rapidly escalated, with 81 confirmed cases and 28 deaths reported as of September 14.

The initial case involved a 34-year-old pregnant woman from Bulape, who was admitted to Bulape General Reference Hospital on August 20, presenting with high fever, bloody diarrhea, and extreme weakness. Despite medical intervention, she succumbed to multiple organ failure on August 25. Subsequent cases emerged among healthcare workers and individuals who had contact with the initial patient.

In response, the World Health Organization (WHO) has deployed medical experts, delivered over 14 tonnes of essential supplies, and established an Ebola treatment center currently housing 16 patients. Vaccination efforts commenced on September 14, targeting frontline health workers and individuals who have been in contact with confirmed Ebola cases, with 400 doses of the Ervebo vaccine delivered to Bulape from the national stockpile.

Dr. Mohamad Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, stated, "Banking on the country's long-standing expertise in controlling viral disease outbreaks, we're working closely with the health authorities to quickly scale up key response measures to end the outbreak as soon as possible."

The outbreak's rapid spread and high mortality underscore the urgent need for improved logistics, healthcare support, and continued vaccination efforts in the affected region. The involvement of healthcare workers among the fatalities highlights the critical importance of infection prevention and control measures to protect frontline responders.

Ebola virus disease is a serious, often fatal illness in humans. The virus is transmitted to humans through close contact with the blood or secretions of infected wildlife and then spreads through human-to-human transmission. The DRC has experienced multiple Ebola outbreaks since the virus was first identified in the country in 1976. The last outbreaks in Kasai Province occurred in 2007 and 2008.

The resurgence of Ebola in Kasai Province serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by infectious diseases and the necessity for robust global health systems and international cooperation to effectively respond to such outbreaks.