Ebola Outbreak Claims 15 Lives in DR Congo, WHO Steps In

Kasai Province, DR Congo — Health authorities have confirmed a new outbreak of Ebola virus disease in Kasai Province, where 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths — including four health workers — have been recorded as of September 4, 2025.

According to a statement released by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Thursday, the outbreak has so far affected Bulape and Mweka health zones, with patients presenting symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, and haemorrhage. Investigations are ongoing as health officials work to contain the spread.

This outbreak emerges amid overlapping health and humanitarian crises in Central and West Africa, including cholera outbreaks, malnutrition, and displacement. The DR Congo’s last Ebola outbreak occurred in Equateur Province in April 2022 and was contained within three months. Kasai Province previously reported Ebola cases in 2007 and 2008. Overall, the country has experienced 15 outbreaks since the disease was first discovered in 1976.

Laboratory tests conducted on September 3 at the National Institute of Biomedical Research in Kinshasa confirmed the strain as Ebola Zaire. In response, a national Rapid Response Team, alongside WHO epidemiologists and infection-control experts, has been deployed to Kasai to strengthen surveillance, case management, and prevention in health facilities.

WHO also announced the delivery of two tonnes of supplies, including protective equipment, medical kits, and mobile lab materials. However, access to affected areas remains challenging, requiring at least a day’s drive from Tshikapa, the provincial capital.

“We are acting with urgency to stop transmission and protect communities,” said Dr. Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “With Congo’s long experience in managing viral outbreaks, we are scaling up response measures to end this quickly.”

The UN body further disclosed that 2,000 doses of the Ervebo Ebola vaccine, already stockpiled in Kinshasa, will be transported to Kasai to vaccinate contacts and frontline health workers. It also warned that case numbers may rise as transmission continues.

By Adeola Olaniya | September 6, 2025.