Ebola Cases Rise to 68 in Congo Kasai Amid WHO Containment Efforts

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing its 16th Ebola outbreak, with the current epidemic centered in the Kasai province. Since the outbreak's declaration, 68 suspected cases have been reported across four districts, with 20 confirmed and 16 deaths, resulting in a case-fatality rate of approximately 23.5%. The outbreak, traced to a new zoonotic spillover similar to the 1976 strain, presents unique challenges due to remote locations, ongoing regional conflicts, and dense settlements that complicate containment efforts. The World Health Organization (WHO) has deployed 400 vaccine doses and essential outbreak control materials to aid local health responses, while Médecins Sans Frontières supports treatment and infection control at Bulape Hospital. Authorities have imposed movement restrictions and checkpoints in affected areas, and vaccination campaigns targeting healthcare workers have begun, with 68 frontline workers already vaccinated. Enhanced surveillance and cross-border measures are underway to prevent further spread, particularly to neighboring countries like Angola.