Kinshasa — The Democratic Republic of Congo has reported a suspected Ebola outbreak that may have killed 15 people, the health ministry said on Thursday, raising concern over a resurgence of the deadly virus in the central African country.
Health Minister Samuel-Roger Kamba said authorities have identified 28 suspected cases, including four health workers, with a fatality rate estimated at 53.6%.
The only confirmed case so far is a 34-year-old pregnant woman in Boulapé, a locality in southern Kasai province. Most of the suspected deaths — 14 out of 15 — were also reported there, with one in Mweka.
Patients exhibited symptoms consistent with Ebola, including fever, vomiting, diarrhea and severe bleeding, officials said.
WHO steps in
The World Health Organization said it has deployed experts alongside Congo’s Rapid Response Team to strengthen surveillance, treatment, and infection control in Kasai. The agency is also supplying protective gear, mobile laboratory equipment and medical supplies.
“Congo has a stockpile of treatments and the Ervebo Ebola vaccine,” WHO said in a statement. “We’re acting with determination to rapidly halt the spread of the virus and protect communities,” added Dr. Mohamed Janabi, WHO’s regional director for Africa.
This is Congo’s 16th recorded Ebola outbreak. The virus, which spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids such as blood or vomit, causes a rare but often fatal illness with case fatality rates that can exceed 50%.
