The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that 31 people have died in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) since an Ebola outbreak was declared on September 5 in Bulape, Kasai region.
This marks the country’s first Ebola outbreak in three years, with 48 confirmed and probable cases reported so far.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus briefed reporters in Geneva on Thursday, highlighting the rapid spread of the virus.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) noted that the outbreak, initially limited to two districts, has now expanded to four. More than 900 contacts have been identified and are being closely monitored by health teams.
Vaccination efforts began on Sunday in Bulape, focusing on health workers, contacts, and potential contacts. “More than 500 health care workers and contacts have received their vaccination, offering them crucial protection,” said Dr. Patrick Otim, a WHO Africa official. Additional vaccine doses approved by the International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision are expected to arrive by September 21.
Sheillah Nsasiirwe, Health Emergency Officer for Immunization at WHO Africa, acknowledged logistical challenges but said efforts are being scaled up to reach all identified contacts.
WHO and its partners have delivered over 14 tonnes of medical equipment and deployed 48 experts to support the Congolese government’s containment efforts.
“We’ve helped to set up an Ebola treatment centre with 18 beds, with 16 patients currently being treated,” Tedros added. Treatment courses of Mab114, a monoclonal antibody therapy, have also been supplied, and 14 patients have received the drug so far. Earlier, WHO reported that the first two patients had been discharged after recovering from the virus.
The fatality rate has risen sharply from last week’s 16 deaths, underscoring the urgent need for continued vigilance. Health authorities are maintaining close surveillance and urging the public to remain alert as efforts intensify to control the outbreak.
