Ebola in the DRC: 15 dead in the Kasai province

In total,28 suspected cases and 15 deaths, including four caregivers, have been reportedin the Kasai province, according to the country's health authorities. For the moment, the localities of Bulape and Mweka, in the north, are the most affected by the epidemic. This is where the first victims presented with fever, vomiting, diarrhea and hemorrhages. The World Health Organization (WHO) has dispatched response teams and medical supplies to contain the outbreak.

Kasai, a landlocked and isolated region, complicates the response. Impassable roads and the absence of regular air connections are slowing down the delivery of medical teams and the necessary equipment. It takes at least a day's drive from Tshikapa, the provincial capital, to reach the affected areas.

The first samples analyzed at the National Institute of Biomedical Research in Kinshasa confirmed the presence of the Ebola virus, of the Orthoebolavirus zairense species. This strain is known for its virulence.

National and international mobilization

A national rapid response team, supported by WHO experts, was deployed to strengthen surveillance, treatment of patients and control of infections in local health structures. WHO also delivered two tonnes of medical supplies, including personal protective equipment, mobile laboratory equipment and essential medicines. “We are acting with determination to quickly stop the spread of the virus and protect communities,” said Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa.

Vaccination and treatment in preparation

The DRC already has a stock of 2,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine, effective against the identified strain, which will be deployed as a priority to protect contacts of patients and front-line caregivers, according to the WHO. The country has also prepositioned specific medicines to treat confirmed cases.

A long history of epidemics

This is the 16th Ebola epidemic in the DRC since the discovery of the virus in 1976. The last outbreak, which occurred in April 2022 in the province of Équateur, was brought under control in less than three months. Kasai had already experienced two episodes in 2007 and 2008.

Ebola remains a rare but serious disease, often fatal, which is transmitted to humans from infected animals, particularly fruit bats, and is then spread by direct contact with the bodily fluids of sick or deceased people.

A painful memory in West Africa

This new outbreak in the DRC rekindles trauma in West Africa, particularly in Guinea. Between 2014 and 2016, an Ebola epidemic starting from the Guinean forest region claimed the lives of more than 11,000 people in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Beyond the human losses, this crisis had paralyzed economic and social life, leaving a lasting imprint on collective memory.

Global vigilance

So far, no cases have been reported outside the DRC. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that the risk to other countries remains low. But experts point out that, in the face of Ebola, the speed and coordination of the response are decisive to avoid uncontrolled spread.

Kadiza SOW