By Archie Boan
At least 15 people have died following a fresh outbreak of the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo, health authorities have announced. Among the victims are four healthcare workers, raising concerns over the safety of frontline responders.
According to the country’s health ministry, the outbreak was identified after a 34-year-old pregnant woman was hospitalized last month with symptoms including high fever and persistent vomiting. She died within hours from multiple organ failure. Laboratory tests later confirmed she had contracted the Zaire strain of Ebola.
The outbreak — the 16th recorded in the DR Congo — is centered in the central Kasai province, with 28 suspected cases so far, the ministry said.
As quoted by the BBC, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that more cases are likely to emerge, adding that “response teams and local teams will work to find the people who may be infected and need to receive care, to ensure everyone is protected as quickly as possible.”
The WHO said it is moving swiftly to contain the virus and safeguard communities. A stockpile of medical supplies is already in place, including 2,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine, which has shown effectiveness against the Zaire strain.
Residents in high-risk areas have been urged to follow strict hygiene protocols, including frequent handwashing and maintaining physical distance.
The last outbreak in DR Congo occurred three years ago, resulting in six deaths. A previous outbreak between 2018 and 2020 was significantly more deadly, killing over 2,000 people.
Ebola, believed to be transmitted to humans from fruit bats, was first detected in 1976 near the Ebola River in DR Congo. It spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids such as blood, vomit, or feces of infected individuals.
