Kinshasa –
Health officials in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have confirmed an outbreak of Ebola virus disease in Kasai Province, with reports of 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths, which include four healthcare workers, as of September 4, 2025.
This outbreak is primarily impacting the Bulape and Mweka health zones in the province. Authorities are investigating the cases and fatalities following symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and hemorrhage. Tests conducted on September 3 at the National Institute of Biomedical Research in Kinshasa identified the outbreak as caused by Ebola Zaire.
A National Rapid Response Team, along with World Health Organization (WHO) experts in various fields, has been dispatched to Kasai Province. Their goal is to enhance disease surveillance and treatment, as well as improve infection prevention and control within healthcare settings. Teams focused on risk communication are also working in the community to help individuals understand the necessary precautions.
Furthermore, the WHO is providing two tons of supplies, which include personal protective gear, mobile lab equipment, and other medical resources. The area is quite remote, requiring about a day’s drive from Tshikapa, the provincial capital, and has limited air access.
“We’re committed to stopping the virus’s spread and safeguarding the communities,” stated Dr. Mohamed Janabi, WHO’s Regional Director for Africa. “Leveraging the country’s experience in managing viral outbreaks, we’re collaborating closely with local health authorities to urgently implement critical measures to end this outbreak.”
As transmission continues, case counts are anticipated to rise. Response teams will be actively searching for individuals who may be infected, ensuring they receive the necessary care as swiftly as possible.
The country has stockpiled treatments and has 2,000 doses of the Ervebo Ebola vaccine ready in Kinshasa. These will be quickly transported to Kasai to immunize contacts and frontline health staff.
The last recorded Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was in Equateur province in April 2022, which was controlled within three months due to fruitful efforts by health authorities. Previous outbreaks in Kasai province occurred in 2007 and 2008. Overall, the nation has faced 15 outbreaks since the disease was discovered in 1976.
Ebola virus disease is a rare yet severe illness in humans that can be fatal. It spreads through close contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected animals, like fruit bats, which are believed to be the natural carriers. Human transmission occurs through direct contact with the body fluids of someone symptomatic or deceased from Ebola, contaminated objects, or the remains of Ebola victims.
