The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has deployed a team to support the response to a new Ebola virus outbreak in Kasai Province, central Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This marks the country’s 16th recorded outbreak, involving the deadly ‘Zaire’ strain. So far, 15 deaths and 28 confirmed cases have been reported. The outbreak was identified through a combination of case notifications, laboratory testing, and confirmation by reference labs.
IOM Director General Amy Pope emphasized the importance of a coordinated, people-centred approach that safeguards health workers, curbs further transmission, and ensures access to critical care and information. Among the deceased are the first reported case—a pregnant woman—and two healthcare workers who treated her, underscoring the high risk faced by frontline responders.
To support containment efforts, IOM has initiated a population mobility mapping exercise in the Kasai region. This will help pinpoint high-risk areas, including transportation hubs and community gathering points such as markets, churches, and bus stations. These insights will inform targeted health surveillance, risk communication, and prevention strategies in vulnerable zones.
In response to the crisis, national authorities have activated the Public Health Emergency Operations Center with support from the National Institute of Public Health. Key actions include rapid field team deployment, viral strain confirmation, contact tracing, vaccination, and clinical care for infected individuals.
The public has been urged to remain calm, follow hygiene guidelines, avoid contact with infected individuals or animals, and report suspected cases via the national hotline. The IOM has praised the Congolese government’s swift response and reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside national and humanitarian partners to contain the outbreak and safeguard public health.
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