DR Congo Declares New Ebola Outbreak With 16 Deaths

The Democratic Republic of Congo has declared a new Ebola outbreak centered in the Kasai province, with health authorities reporting 28 suspected cases and at least 15 deaths. The first identified case involved a pregnant woman hospitalized in late August who exhibited symptoms such as high fever and vomiting before passing away, after which healthcare workers caring for her also fell ill. The Ministry of Health and local officials have activated alert protocols as the virus spreads through contact with infected bodily fluids, posing significant risks to caregivers and family members. This marks the sixteenth Ebola epidemic in the country, which has experienced multiple outbreaks since the virus was first recorded in 1976. Ebola symptoms typically begin with fever and fatigue and can progress to severe hemorrhaging, with fatality rates varying widely based on healthcare quality. The World Health Organization has also warned of cholera outbreaks in the region, highlighting broader public health challenges.