DR Congo Reports New Ebola Outbreak, 15 Dead

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has confirmed a fresh outbreak of the Ebola virus, which has killed 15 people since late August.

Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba announced that the outbreak is centred in Kasai Province, where 28 suspected cases have been recorded. The first case was identified on August 20 in a 34-year-old pregnant woman who was admitted to hospital.

Authorities confirmed the Zaire strain of the virus as the cause of the outbreak. While a vaccine is available, Kamba noted that effective deployment depends on overcoming logistical challenges.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has sent experts to Kasai to work with Congolese health teams in order to contain the spread. “We’re acting with determination to rapidly halt the spread of the virus and protect communities,” said WHO Regional Director for Africa, Mohamed Janabi.

This marks the DRC’s 16th Ebola outbreak. The deadliest occurred between 2018 and 2020, when nearly 2,300 people died. With a population of more than 100 million, the country continues to face major hurdles in outbreak response, including poor infrastructure and limited communication networks.

Health officials have deployed a stockpile of treatments and 2,000 vaccine doses to the affected region. However, WHO has warned that case numbers are expected to rise as transmission remains ongoing.

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