Kinshasa, Sept. 6, 2025 – The Democratic Republic of Congo has launched an emergency response to a new Ebola outbreak in Kasai province, as health officials move quickly to vaccinate health workers and people who came into contact with confirmed cases.
The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that its experts are on the ground alongside Congo’s Rapid Response Team to support disease surveillance, treatment, and infection control in local hospitals. WHO has also supplied protective gear, medical kits, and mobile laboratory equipment to help contain the virus.
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced that 2,000 doses of the Ervebo Ebola vaccine, pre-positioned in Kinshasa, are now being released. “We are prioritizing vaccination for health workers and contacts of confirmed cases,” he said.
According to Congo’s Health Minister Samuel-Roger Kamba, the outbreak has already caused 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths, mostly in Boulapé (14 deaths) and Mweka (1 death). Four health workers are among the suspected cases. The first confirmed patient was a 34-year-old pregnant woman in Boulapé.
The fatality rate, estimated at 53.6%, highlights the seriousness of the outbreak. Investigations are ongoing to trace all possible contacts and to confirm other suspected cases.
This marks the 16th Ebola outbreak in Congo since the virus was first discovered there in 1976. The country has built up experience in tackling the disease, but outbreaks remain deadly and disruptive.
Health officials are also working with community leaders to raise awareness about the importance of early treatment and safe burial practices, which are crucial in stopping the spread.
The government has called for calm but urged people in affected areas to follow health guidelines strictly. Neighboring provinces are on heightened alert, while regional partners and aid agencies are preparing to support Congo’s containment efforts.
The Ebola virus spreads through direct contact with blood or body fluids of infected people and remains one of the most dangerous epidemics on the continent. Global health experts warn that rapid response is key to preventing wider spread, especially in a region already facing other humanitarian challenges.
