The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is once again facing the deadly threat of Ebola after health officials confirmed a fresh outbreak in Kasai Province. As of early September 2025, at least 28 suspected cases have been reported, with 15 fatalities, including four healthcare workers.
The outbreak began when a 34-year-old pregnant woman in Boulapé fell critically ill in late August and died from multiple organ failure. Soon after, additional suspected cases were identified across the Bulape and Mweka health zones, raising alarms over rapid spread in rural communities.
Laboratory tests confirmed the Zaire strain of the Ebola virus—the most lethal form, with a fatality rate of around 50 percent. The World Health Organization (WHO) and DRC’s Rapid Response Team have already deployed epidemiologists, protective equipment, and mobile laboratories to the region. Health authorities have also pre-positioned 2,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine and Ebola treatments in Kinshasa, ready for distribution.
Despite DRC’s long experience in handling Ebola outbreaks, challenges remain. Fragile health infrastructure, limited resources, and overlapping crises such as mpox make containment especially difficult. International experts warn that reductions in global health funding could further hamper response efforts, leaving communities more vulnerable.
This outbreak is the 16th in the DRC since 1976, underscoring how Ebola continues to resurface despite decades of medical progress. For now, swift action and strong international cooperation are critical to stopping the spread and preventing another regional or global health emergency.
