Sele Media Africa
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Reported by Amos Dachung – Sele Media Africa Reporter
September 5, 2025
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has declared its 16th Ebola outbreak after health authorities confirmed the presence of the Zaire strain of the virus in Kasai Province. As of September 4, 2025, 28 suspected cases have been reported, resulting in 15 deaths, including four healthcare workers [1] .

The outbreak was first identified when a 34-year-old pregnant woman was admitted to a hospital in Bulape with symptoms including high fever, vomiting, and hemorrhaging. She died shortly after admission, and subsequent cases have been reported in the Bulape and Mweka health zones [1] .

In response, the World Health Organization (WHO) has deployed a Rapid Response Team to Kasai Province to assist with disease surveillance, treatment, and infection prevention and control. The WHO has also sent two tons of supplies, including mobile laboratory equipment and medical materials, to support the response effort [2] .
Health Minister Samuel-Roger Kamba emphasized the severity of the situation, noting a case fatality rate of approximately 53.6%. He stated, “The figures are provisional, and investigations are ongoing” [3] .

The DRC has a stockpile of treatments for Ebola, including 2,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine, which is effective against the Zaire strain. Efforts are underway to deploy these resources to the affected areas [2] .

This outbreak underscores the ongoing challenges the DRC faces in managing infectious diseases, particularly in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure. The WHO and local authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are working to contain the spread of the virus.

For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned to Sele Media Africa.

Citations:
1.⁠ ⁠WHO | Regional Office for Africa: www.afro.who.int/countries/democratic-republic-of-congo/news/democratic-republic-congo-declares-ebola-virus-disease-outbreak-kasai-province?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2.⁠ ⁠Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/09/15-dead-as-congo-confirms-new-ebola-outbreak/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3.⁠ ⁠STAT: www.statnews.com/2025/09/04/congo-new-ebola-outbreak-kasai/?utm_source=chatgpt.com