DR Congo Ebola Outbreak Causes 31 Deaths, Vaccination Efforts Underway

A new Ebola outbreak in the Kasai province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has resulted in at least 31 deaths out of 38 confirmed cases, with rapid spread and significant challenges in containment efforts. The outbreak, declared in early September 2025, is the country's 16th since Ebola was first identified and has affected healthcare workers, contributing to the high fatality rate. Vaccination campaigns have begun, with over 500 health workers and contacts inoculated using the Ervebo vaccine, and an additional 45,000 doses approved for delivery despite logistical difficulties in the remote Bulape area. Authorities have implemented lockdowns and travel checkpoints to prevent further spread, while WHO officials emphasize the need for faster testing, tracing, and vaccination to control the outbreak, warning of moderate cross-border risks, especially with neighboring Angola. The initial case involved a pregnant woman who died and was buried without safe burial practices, likely contributing to transmission to healthcare workers who subsequently died. The situation is urgent, with WHO officials expressing cautious optimism about slowing transmission but warning containment will be challenging if the response is delayed.