Sir Simon Muyanga Lutaaya
A fresh wave of sorrow has hit the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after a new Ebola outbreak has claimed at least 15 lives, health officials confirmed. The outbreak, reported in Kasai province, is already causing fear among residents and concern from international health organizations.
The crisis began when a 34-year-old pregnant woman was admitted to hospital with a high fever and severe vomiting. Tragically, she died just hours later from multiple organ failure. Tests confirmed she had contracted the deadly Zaire strain of Ebola, one of the most lethal forms of the virus.
So far, 28 suspected cases have been reported in the central province. Among the 15 who died are four health workers, raising serious concerns about the safety of frontline medical teams. Authorities are urging strict measures, including frequent handwashing and avoiding direct contact with anyone showing symptoms.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has responded quickly, warning that the number of cases may rise as the virus spreads. “Response teams and local health workers are working to trace and care for all those who may have been exposed,” WHO stated, pledging urgent support to help contain the outbreak.
Fortunately, the DRC still has a limited stock of the Ebola vaccine, Ervebo, with about 2,000 doses available. Health experts say the vaccine is effective against the Zaire strain, and teams are rushing to vaccinate high-risk groups to prevent further spread.
This marks the 16th Ebola outbreak in the DRC, a country long challenged by weak health systems and regional conflicts. The last outbreak, three years ago, killed six people, while the 2018–2020 epidemic was far deadlier, claiming over 2,000 lives. These past experiences have heightened fears about the potential severity of the current crisis if not quickly controlled.
Ebola, believed to originate from fruit bats, spreads through direct contact with the blood, vomit, feces, or other bodily fluids of infected individuals. Health experts are urging communities to remain vigilant, avoid risky contact, and report suspected cases immediately. With the virus confirmed again, the race is on to contain it before more lives are lost.
