New Ebola Outbreak Reported in DR Congo’s Kasai Province

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s health ministry has confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in Kasai province, with at least 15 deaths reported, including four health workers. Officials said the virus was first detected in a 34-year-old pregnant woman who was hospitalized last month with fever and vomiting; she died hours later from multiple organ failure. So far, 28 suspected cases have been recorded.

This marks the country’s 16th Ebola outbreak since the virus was first identified in 1976. The Zaire strain, a highly lethal variant, has been confirmed. Authorities are urging strict preventive measures such as handwashing and social distancing.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said it is working urgently with local teams to trace infections and protect communities. DR Congo has stockpiled treatments, including 2,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine, which is effective against this strain. The last outbreak in 2021 killed six people, while a 2018–20 epidemic claimed more than 2,000 lives.

07-09-2025