Congo’s health ministry said Thursday that it is investigating a suspected new Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, after provisional figures showed 15 deaths among 28 people with symptoms. Health Minister Samuel-Roger Kamba said the ministry’s assessment indicates a fatality rate of 53.6% and described the case count as the start of the 16th Ebola outbreak recorded in Congo.
The ministry said its provisional report includes 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths, with 14 deaths reported in Boulapé and one death reported in Mweka. It also said four health care workers are among the suspected cases, while research into the suspected cases and symptoms is ongoing.
Kamba said the confirmed case involves a 34-year-old pregnant woman in the locality of Boulapé, in southern Kasai province. He said the suspected cases presented symptoms that include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and heavy bleeding.
The World Health Organization said it has dispatched experts alongside Congo’s Rapid Response Team to Kasai province to strengthen disease surveillance, treatment and infection prevention and control in health facilities. The WHO said the effort also includes delivery of supplies such as personal protective equipment, mobile laboratory equipment and medical supplies.
WHO also said Congo has a stockpile of Ebola treatments and the Ervebo Ebola vaccine. “We’re acting with determination to rapidly halt the spread of the virus and protect communities,” Dr. Mohamed Janabi, the WHO regional director for Africa, said.
Ebola spreads through bodily fluids, and the disease can be contracted through fluids such as vomit, blood or semen. Health officials described it as rare but severe, with many cases proving fatal.
In the days ahead, the focus in Kasai province is likely to remain on confirming suspected cases, supporting clinical care, and limiting transmission in and around health facilities as authorities continue their investigation.