DR Congo Declares Ebola Outbreak in Kasai Province
Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have declared an outbreak of Ebola virus disease in Kasai Province, following the reporting of 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths, including four among healthcare workers.
The outbreak has been identified in Bulape and Mweka health zones, where patients presented with symptoms including fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, and haemorrhage. Laboratory tests conducted on 3 September at the National Institute of Biomedical Research in Kinshasa confirmed Ebola Zaire as the cause.
A national Rapid Response Team, supported by World Health Organization (WHO) experts in epidemiology, infection prevention and control, laboratory diagnostics, and case management, has been deployed to Kasai to strengthen disease surveillance, treatment, and infection control in health facilities. Provincial risk communication teams are also working to educate communities on protective measures.
WHO has dispatched two tonnes of supplies, including personal protective equipment, mobile laboratory equipment, and medical materials. Access to the affected areas is challenging, requiring at least a day’s travel from Tshikapa, the provincial capital, with limited air connectivity.
“We are acting with determination to rapidly halt the spread of the virus and protect communities,” said Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “We are working closely with DRC health authorities to quickly scale up key response measures and end the outbreak as soon as possible.”
Authorities anticipate that case numbers may rise as transmission continues. Response teams will work to identify and treat those infected, while vaccination efforts are planned using 2,000 prepositioned doses of the Ervebo Ebola vaccine, prioritising contacts and frontline healthcare workers.
DR Congo has previously managed 15 Ebola outbreaks since the disease was first identified in 1976. The most recent occurred in Equateur Province in April 2022 and was contained within three months. Kasai Province itself experienced outbreaks in 2007 and 2008.
Ebola virus disease is a rare but severe illness, often fatal, transmitted through close contact with the blood or bodily fluids of infected humans or animals, including fruit bats, believed to be the natural host. Human-to-human transmission occurs via direct contact with infected fluids, contaminated objects, or the bodies of those who have died from the disease.
