IFRC The Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has officially declared a new outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in Kasaï Province. This marks the country’s 16th recorded Ebola epidemic and the first in this region since 2008.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), in coordination with the DRC Red Cross, DRC Ministry of Health, WHO, and key humanitarian partners, is rapidly intensifying Ebola response efforts. Priority actions include deploying rapid response teams and volunteers within communities, strengthening surveillance and contact tracing, and initiating targeted vaccination for frontline workers and contacts. Over 2,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine are already pre-positioned in Kinshasa for immediate deployment.
The outbreak was confirmed after the death of a 34-year-old pregnant woman on 20 August in Bulape health zone. This was followed by the deaths of a nurse and a laboratory technician who had treated her. According to Government figures, to date, 28 suspected cases, including 16 deaths, have been recorded—a fatality rate of 57%. Alarmingly, four of the deaths are among healthcare workers, underscoring the risks faced by frontline responders.