Bulape, Kasai Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo | September 18, 2025
The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has claimed 31 lives, with 48 confirmed and probable cases reported since the outbreak was declared on September 4 in Bulape Health Zone, Kasai Province.
Health authorities in the DRC, in collaboration with WHO and global partners, have intensified containment efforts. More than 900 contacts are currently under surveillance, while vaccination campaigns using the Ervebo vaccine have begun, targeting frontline health workers and identified contacts. An additional 45,000 vaccine doses have been approved for rapid deployment to expand coverage across high-risk areas.
To boost the response, over 14 tonnes of medical supplies, including protective gear, laboratory kits, and treatment essentials, have been delivered. An Ebola treatment centre has been established in Bulape, while monoclonal antibody therapies are being made available to improve patient survival rates.
Laboratory analysis confirmed the outbreak as being caused by the Zaire ebolavirus strain, the deadliest of the Ebola variants. This marks the 16th recorded Ebola outbreak in the DRC, underscoring the country’s continued vulnerability to the disease.
WHO officials stressed the need for strict infection prevention and control, including safe burials, early detection, and widespread community sensitisation to curb transmission. Despite logistical challenges caused by difficult terrain and poor infrastructure in the Kasai region, authorities remain optimistic that swift interventions will prevent further spread.
The outbreak has renewed global concern about the persistent threat of Ebola in Central Africa, with international partners pledging continued support to reinforce the DRC’s health system and protect surrounding regions.
