The Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has officially declared a new outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in Kasaï Province. This marks the country’s 16th recorded Ebola epidemic and the first in the region since 2008. The outbreak was confirmed after the death of a 34-year-old pregnant woman on 20 August in Bulape health zone, followed by the deaths of a nurse and a laboratory technician who treated her. To date, government figures report 28 suspected cases, including 16 deaths, representing a fatality rate of 57%. Four of the deceased are healthcare workers, highlighting the risks faced by frontline responders.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), in coordination with the DRC Red Cross, the Ministry of Health, WHO, and key humanitarian partners, is rapidly intensifying Ebola response efforts. Priority actions include deploying rapid response teams and volunteers, strengthening surveillance and contact tracing, and initiating targeted vaccination for frontline workers and contacts. Over 2,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine are pre-positioned in Kinshasa for immediate deployment.
The outbreak is concentrated in the health zones of Bulape and Mweka, where operational challenges are complicating the response. Road access from Kinshasa takes up to three days, delaying rapid deployment of teams and supplies, while the nearest isolation unit has only 15 beds, far below what is needed. Genetic sequencing has confirmed that this Ebola strain differs from the one identified in Equateur between 2007 and 2009, further complicating containment efforts.
DRC Red Cross volunteers are actively supporting communities by sharing accurate Ebola information through trusted, door-to-door dialogue, dispelling rumors, and helping families stay safe. Ariel Kesten, IFRC Kinshasa country cluster head of delegation, emphasized the urgency of protecting healthcare workers, supporting communities with trusted information, and ensuring life-saving resources reach those in need before the outbreak spreads further.
The Ministry of Health has urged communities to remain vigilant, adhere to preventive measures, and report any suspected cases. The IFRC and its partners are calling on the international community to urgently mobilize resources to prevent the epidemic from worsening and spreading further.
