Congo Confirms New Ebola Outbreak as Death Toll Rises to 15

The Democratic Republic of Congo is once again facing Ebola. Health officials on Thursday confirmed a new outbreak in Kasai province, where a 34-year-old pregnant woman tested positive before dying in hospital.

Authorities now suspect 28 cases of the virus, including 15 deaths — four of them health workers.

“These figures remain provisional,” Health Minister Roger Kamba said, warning the toll could climb as investigations continue.

The outbreak has hit the Bulape and Mweka areas. Patients are showing the classic Ebola symptoms: fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, bleeding. Most of the deaths so far have been concentrated in the village of Boulapé.

The Zaire strain of Ebola — the deadliest variant — has been identified. Transmission is still ongoing, meaning more infections are likely.

The World Health Organization has deployed experts to support Congo’s Rapid Response Team. They’re strengthening surveillance, treatment and infection prevention while sending two tons of medical and lab supplies. Congo also has a stockpile of treatments and 2,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine, which is effective against this strain.

“We’re acting with determination to rapidly halt the spread of the virus and protect communities,” said Dr. Mohamed Janabi, WHO’s Africa regional director.

This marks Congo’s 16th Ebola outbreak since the virus was first identified there in 1976. The country’s last outbreak, in 2022, killed six people. A much larger epidemic in 2018–2020 left more than 2,000 dead.

Despite its grim reputation — in some outbreaks killing up to 90% of patients — Ebola doesn’t spread through the air. Instead, it passes via direct contact with blood or bodily fluids, putting family caregivers and health workers most at risk.

Congo’s health system is already stretched thin by conflict, poverty and outbreaks of other diseases like measles and cholera. Aid cuts have worsened the situation, making it harder to respond quickly. Experts warn that stopping Ebola here will take fast action, resources, and strict preventive measures in local communities.

For now, Kasai remains the epicenter — but officials say vigilance is needed across the country to keep Ebola from spreading further.

CNN, Bloomberg, Reuters, Al Jazeera, and BBC contributed to this report.