Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | September 4, 2025 — The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has confirmed its 16th outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD), with cases reported in Kasai Province, government officials announced Thursday.…….CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
The index case is a 34-year-old pregnant woman admitted to hospital last month with high fever and persistent vomiting. So far, 15 deaths have been recorded, with 28 suspected cases identified across Bulape and Mweka health zones. Among the infected are four healthcare workers. Laboratory tests have confirmed the Zaire strain of Ebola, and investigations are ongoing to determine the source of exposure.
Kasai Province last reported an Ebola outbreak in 2008, while Equateur Province battled one in 2022.
In response, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has mobilized emergency support. Director General Dr. Jean Kaseya immediately travelled to DRC, meeting with the Minister of Health to coordinate outbreak management. Africa CDC has deployed experts to strengthen surveillance, contact tracing, data management, laboratory capacity, and infection prevention and control in the affected zones.
> “Africa CDC stands firmly with the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo. I have met with the Minister of Health to coordinate an urgent response, and we are taking strong measures to bring this outbreak under control — protecting communities and supporting the health workers on the frontlines,” said Dr. Kaseya.
Ebola virus disease is a zoonotic viral haemorrhagic fever that affects humans and non-human primates. Transmission occurs from infected wild animals (such as fruit bats, porcupines, and primates) to humans, and between humans through direct contact with blood, bodily fluids, tissues, or contaminated surfaces. Symptoms typically include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, and unexplained bleeding or bruising. The disease has an average case fatality rate of around 50%.
Africa CDC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the DRC, pledging to strengthen and digitalize surveillance systems, ensure early detection and case management, and protect healthcare workers through vaccination and infection control measures, in close coordination with partners.…….CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
