DRC Confirms 16th Ebola Outbreak in Kasai Province

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has confirmed its 16th Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak, with cases emerging in Kasai Province.

Officials said the index case was a 34-year-old pregnant woman admitted last month with high fever and persistent vomiting. Since then, 15 deaths and 28 suspected cases have been recorded across the Bulape and Mweka health zones, including infections in four medical personnel.

Laboratory results confirmed the virus strain as Zaire ebolavirus. Investigations are ongoing to identify the source of exposure.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has pledged strong support for the DRC.

Director General Dr. Jean Kaseya visited the country to coordinate response measures with the Health Minister.

“Africa CDC stands firmly with the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo. We are taking strong measures to bring this outbreak under control — protecting communities and supporting health workers on the frontlines,” Dr. Kaseya said.

Africa CDC has already deployed specialists to boost:

• Surveillance and contact tracing

• Data management and laboratory capacity

• Infection prevention and control (IPC)

• Immunization of frontline health workers

Background and Risks

• The last Ebola outbreak in Equateur Province occurred in 2022.

• Kasai Province last experienced an outbreak in 2008.

• Ebola is a zoonotic viral hemorrhagic fever, affecting humans and non-human primates.

Transmission occurs through:

• Contact with infected wild animals (e.g., fruit bats, primates)

• Direct exposure to blood or body fluids of infected persons

• Contaminated surfaces or materials

Symptoms include fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and unexplained bleeding or bruising. The fatality rate averages 50%.

Ebola remains one of Africa’s most dangerous viral diseases, with devastating social and economic impacts. The quick deployment of Africa CDC experts underscores the importance of early detection, rapid response, and community awareness.