DR Congo Declares New Ebola Outbreak as Cases Rise in Kasai Province

Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have declared a new Ebola outbreak in Kasai Province, caused by the deadly Zaire Ebola virus strain.

The outbreak began with a 34-year-old pregnant woman admitted to hospital on August 20. She died five days later, followed by two health workers who treated her. By September 15, officials confirmed 81 cases and 28 deaths, including four health workers.

This marks the DRC’s 16th Ebola outbreak since the virus was first identified in the country nearly five decades ago. Genetic analysis suggests the latest outbreak stemmed from an animal-to-human spillover rather than a continuation of past epidemics.

Health authorities have begun vaccination efforts using the Ervebo (rVSV-ZEBOV) vaccine, which has proven highly effective in past outbreaks. The World Health Organization (WHO) has sent 400 doses, with more on the way, to support “ring vaccination” of close contacts and front-line workers.

Despite the province’s remoteness, health experts warn of risks due to movement into Tshikapa city and across the border with Angola. The DRC is also battling simultaneous health emergencies, including mpox, cholera, and measles, while ongoing conflict hampers access to affected communities.

WHO currently assesses the outbreak risk as high for the DRC, moderate for the region, and low globally.