The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has confirmed its 16th Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak, with health officials reporting new cases in Kasai Province. The Ministry of Health announced that the index case, a 34-year-old pregnant woman, was admitted last month with high fever and persistent vomiting before testing positive for Ebola.
To date, 15 deaths have been confirmed, and 28 suspected cases identified across two health zones — Bulape and Mweka. Among the affected are four healthcare workers, highlighting the heightened risks frontline responders face. Laboratory tests confirmed the Zaire strain of Ebola, one of the deadliest forms of the virus. Investigations are ongoing to determine the source of exposure and potential chains of transmission.
Kasai Province last reported an Ebola outbreak in 2008. More recently, Equateur Province in the DRC recorded an outbreak in 2022, underscoring the recurrent nature of the disease in the country.
Africa CDC Responds with Urgent Measures
Following the outbreak declaration, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) immediately engaged with the DRC Ministry of Health. Dr Jean Kaseya, Africa CDC Director General, traveled to Kasai to meet with national health officials and coordinate a response plan.
“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 the health workers on the frontlines,” said Dr Kaseya.
Africa CDC has already deployed technical experts to reinforce:
- Disease surveillance and case detection
- Contact tracing and data management
- Laboratory testing and diagnostics
- Infection prevention and control (IPC) in health facilities
The agency also pledged to expand vaccination campaigns where needed and ensure personal protective equipment (PPE) reaches healthcare workers.
Ebola: Deadly and Persistent
Ebola virus disease is a zoonotic viral haemorrhagic fever, transmitted from infected wild animals such as fruit bats, primates, or porcupines to humans. Once in human populations, it spreads through direct contact with blood, bodily fluids, or contaminated surfaces.
Symptoms typically appear between 2 to 21 days after infection and include:
- Fever, headache, and muscle pain
- Fatigue and weakness
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Internal and external bleeding (bruising, nosebleeds, or unexplained bleeding)
The average case fatality rate is about 50%, though past outbreaks have ranged from 25% to 90%. Survivors often face long-term complications such as vision problems, joint pain, and fatigue.
Strengthening Preparedness and Global Solidarity
Africa CDC reaffirmed its commitment to helping the DRC strengthen and digitalize surveillance systems for faster outbreak detection and reporting. The agency is also working closely with partners to enhance community engagement, provide psychosocial support, and reduce the stigma often associated with Ebola.
This outbreak underscores the urgent need for sustained international collaboration to contain epidemics and safeguard fragile health systems. Ebola outbreaks not only threaten lives but also disrupt economies, strain health infrastructure, and trigger fear within communities.
Source : Africa CDC
