Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have declared an Ebola outbreak in Kasai Province, reporting 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths, including four health workers, as of September 4, 2025. The outbreak has affected the Bulape and Mweka health zones, prompting immediate investigation and response measures.
Laboratory tests conducted on September 3 at the National Institute of Biomedical Research in Kinshasa confirmed the presence of Ebola Zaire, a highly virulent strain of the virus responsible for severe illness and high fatality rates. Symptoms among the suspected cases included fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and hemorrhaging.
Rapid Response and Containment Efforts Underway
A national Rapid Response Team, supported by World Health Organization (WHO) specialists in epidemiology, infection prevention and control, laboratory diagnostics, and case management, has been deployed to Kasai Province. The team is working to enhance disease surveillance, strengthen treatment facilities, and implement infection control measures in local health centers.
Provincial risk communication experts are engaging with communities to raise awareness about Ebola transmission and preventive measures. WHO has delivered two tonnes of essential supplies, including personal protective equipment, mobile laboratory equipment, and medical materials. The affected areas are remote, requiring at least a full day of driving from Tshikapa, the provincial capital, and limited air access complicates logistics.
“We’re acting with determination to rapidly halt the spread of the virus and protect communities,” said Dr. Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “Working with the country’s experienced health authorities, we aim to quickly scale up response measures to end the outbreak as soon as possible.”
Vaccination and Medical Support
The DRC maintains a stockpile of treatments and 2,000 doses of the Ervebo Ebola vaccine, which offers protection against Ebola Zaire. These doses, prepositioned in Kinshasa, are planned for rapid deployment to Kasai Province to vaccinate frontline health workers and individuals who have had close contact with confirmed cases.
Authorities warn that case numbers may continue to rise as transmission remains ongoing. Response teams are actively tracing contacts and providing care to limit further spread.
Historical Context and Transmission Risks
The DRC has faced 15 Ebola outbreaks since the disease was first identified in 1976. The last outbreak, in Equateur Province in 2022, was contained in under three months through coordinated response efforts. Previous Ebola outbreaks in Kasai Province occurred in 2007 and 2008.
Ebola virus disease is a severe, often fatal illness transmitted through direct contact with blood or bodily fluids of infected humans or animals, including fruit bats, which are believed to be natural hosts. Human-to-human transmission can also occur via contaminated objects or the body of someone who has died from the disease.
Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing early detection, isolation, and vaccination as key strategies to control the outbreak and prevent further fatalities.
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Source:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjed2pg0wy7ohttps://www.afro.who.int/countries/democratic-republic-of-congo/news/democratic-republic-congo-declares-ebola-virus-disease-outbreak-kasai-province
