Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are responding to a fresh Ebola outbreak in the Bulape Health Zone of Kasai Province, where 11 new infections have been confirmed.
Scope of the Outbreak
By September 21, 2025, officials recorded 57 total cases , 47 confirmed and 10 listed as probable resulting in 35 deaths. The fatality rate stands at 61.4%, making this one of the more severe flare-ups in recent years.
Areas and Populations at Risk
The outbreak covers six health areas: Bambalaie, Bulape, Bulape Communautaire, Dikolo, Ingongo and Mpianga.
Children aged 0–9 account for 23% of cases, while women represent 61% of all infections. Fatality rates are higher among men (73%) compared to women (56%).
Vulnerable groups include children, domestic workers, farmers, and five infected health workers.
Health System Under Pressure
This is the 16th recorded Ebola outbreak in the DRC since 1976, caused by the Zaire ebolavirus strain.
Years of conflict, especially in the east, have eroded healthcare capacity, making it harder to mount an effective response.
Vaccination Efforts Lagging
Deployment of vaccines has been slow. Only 400 doses of the Ervebo vaccine are currently in use, though additional supplies are on the way.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says 45,000 more doses have been approved, with 2,000 already available in-country.
Funding gaps and poor access continue to hamper immunization drives.
Containment and Call for Support
Local and international health teams are scaling up interventions to stop the spread, but insecurity and limited resources remain major obstacles.
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has urged immediate action to curb transmission.
A Call to the Global Community
This latest Ebola crisis highlights the difficulty of tackling infectious disease outbreaks in conflict zones.
Robust international support and sustained funding are urgently needed to protect at-risk populations and prevent further escalation.
