Ebola Outbreak Claims 15 Lives in DR Congo

Mon Oct 20 2025 09:38:15 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A new outbreak of the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo has led to the deaths of at least 15 people, including four health workers. Officials are employing stringent measures to curb the spread of the virus.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is grappling with a new Ebola outbreak that has already claimed the lives of 15 individuals, including health workers. The outbreak began in the Kasai province, with health authorities urging the public to adhere to preventive measures amidst rising concerns about further transmission. The World Health Organization is actively coordinating efforts to manage the crisis and protect communities.

At least 15 people have died in a new outbreak of the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the country's health ministry has confirmed.

The virus was first identified in a 34-year-old pregnant woman who was hospitalized after exhibiting symptoms like high fever and severe vomiting. Unfortunately, she succumbed to multiple organ failure shortly thereafter.

This marks the 16th Ebola outbreak in the DR Congo, which continues to struggle with inadequate healthcare infrastructure, alongside ongoing conflicts in its eastern regions.

The current outbreak is centered in the central Kasai province, where there are currently 28 suspected cases. Health officials have urged the public to follow stringent preventive measures such as regular handwashing and social distancing in high-risk areas.

Tests have confirmed the presence of the Zaire strain of Ebola, which is recognized as particularly deadly. The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated it is working assiduously to halt the spread of the virus and protect affected communities.

Among the deceased, four were healthcare workers, which has raised alarm about the ongoing transmission rate. The WHO has indicated that case numbers may rise as efforts are made to identify and treat infected individuals swiftly.

The DRC has access to various treatments, including a stockpile of 2,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine which is effective against this Ebola strain.

The last major outbreak reported in the country occurred three years ago, resulting in six deaths. However, a more severe outbreak between 2018 and 2020 claimed over 2,000 lives.

The Ebola virus, thought to originate from fruit bats, was first detected in 1976 near the Ebola River in what is now the DRC. It spreads through direct contact with body fluids of infected individuals, hence vigilance in monitoring and response initiatives is crucial.