Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) 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 been detected in the Bulape and Mweka health zones. Investigations revealed that those affected presented symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, and haemorrhage.
This marks the country’s 16th outbreak of Ebola since the disease was first identified in 1976. Previous outbreaks were reported in Kasai in 2007 and 2008, while the last nationwide outbreak occurred in Equateur Province in April 2022 and was contained within three months.
Ebola virus disease is a rare but severe illness in humans, transmitted through direct contact with blood, secretions, or other bodily fluids of infected animals or humans. Human-to-human transmission is particularly high in cases involving contact with contaminated materials or deceased patients.
Laboratory tests conducted at the National Institute of Biomedical Research in Kinshasa on September 3 confirmed that the current outbreak is caused by the Ebola Zaire strain.
In response, the DRC government, supported by WHO, has deployed a national Rapid Response Team to Kasai. Experts in epidemiology, infection prevention, case management, and laboratory diagnostics are now on the ground to scale up surveillance and treatment efforts.
Provincial risk communication officers have also been mobilised to educate communities on preventive measures. Meanwhile, WHO has dispatched two tonnes of supplies, including personal protective equipment, mobile lab equipment, and essential medical materials.
Dr. Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, said:
“We’re acting with determination to rapidly halt the spread of the virus and protect communities. Leveraging the country’s long-standing expertise in managing viral disease outbreaks, we’re working closely with health authorities to ensure quick response and containment.”
The WHO added that response teams expect case numbers to rise in the coming days as transmission continues. To curb further spread, over 2,000 doses of the Ervebo Ebola vaccine, already stockpiled in Kinshasa, will be deployed to Kasai to protect frontline health workers and identified contacts.
The outbreak poses a major challenge for the region, which is already grappling with multiple health and humanitarian crises, including cholera outbreaks, malnutrition, and displacement.
