New Ebola outbreak hits Africa with 21 deaths, WHO on alert: Everything you need to know

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has recently declared a new outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in Kasai Province, marking the country's 16th known outbreak of this deadly virus. This outbreak is caused by the Zaire Ebola virus, the most severe strain of Ebola, known for its high fatality rate.

The outbreak began with a 34-year-old pregnant woman in the Boulapé health zone, who was admitted to Bulape General Reference Hospital on August 20, 2025. She exhibited symptoms including high fever, bloody diarrhea, hemorrhaging, and extreme weakness, and died five days later from multiple organ failure. Following her death, the virus spread to others, including healthcare workers, with at least four health workers among the dead.

By September 15, 81 confirmed cases and 28 deaths had been reported across multiple health zones including Boulapé, Mweka, Mushenge, and Dekese territories.


The World Health Organization (WHO) received alerts from the DRC Ministry of Health on September 1 and confirmed the outbreak through laboratory tests by September 4. It has declared the situation a high public health risk nationally, moderate regionally, and low globally.

The virus typically spreads through close contact with blood or bodily fluids of infected individuals or wildlife. WHO has also deployed 48 specialists in surveillance and clinical care; and is assisting neighboring countries with operational readiness.

The DRC government, together with WHO and other partners, has rolled out emergency response measures. These include ‘ring vaccination’ using the Ervebo vaccine, which has previously demonstrated 100% efficacy in a Guinea trial for people vaccinated immediately after a case was detected in their community, with protection measured from 10 days post-vaccination. Real-world studies during the 2018–20 outbreak in DRC found the vaccine to be about 84% effective. So far, 400 doses have been deployed with more expected. Vaccinations are prioritized for contacts of confirmed cases and frontline health workers to contain transmission.

Key control measures also include early isolation of suspected cases, contact tracing, quarantining contacts, and increasing hospital capacity with field treatment centers. Safer funeral practices avoiding traditional customs such as washing or touching bodies are being promoted to reduce transmission. Supportive care, including rehydration, electrolyte replacement, and monoclonal antibody treatments, is critical to reduce mortality.

Challenges persist including logistical difficulties in transporting vaccines requiring cold storage to remote and conflict-affected areas, limited access due to insecurity, and ensuring a consistent supply of protective gear for healthcare staff.

The outbreak's origin likely involved a spillover event from animal to human rather than continuation from previous outbreaks, based on genetic analysis. The Kasai Province’s relative remoteness offers some containment advantage, but proximity to regional hubs and neighboring countries like Angola increases the risk of broader spread.

FAQs

What is Ebola virus disease (EVD)?
EVD is a severe, often fatal illness caused by the Ebola virus, transmitted via direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated objects.

How deadly is this outbreak?
As of mid-September 2025, the case fatality rate is around 34.5% based on 28 deaths from 81 confirmed cases, though Ebola generally has a fatality rate ranging from 25% to 90%.

What are the symptoms?
Symptoms include high fever, severe weakness, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and in some cases, internal and external bleeding.

Is there a vaccine?
Yes, the Ervebo vaccine is available and has shown high efficacy in preventing infection post-exposure.