Ebola outbreak declared in DR Congo’s Kasai Province

WHO deploys Rapid Response Team

A national Rapid Response Team, joined by World Health Organisation (WHO) experts in epidemiology, infection prevention and control, laboratory, and case management, has been deployed to Kasai Province. Their mission is to strengthen disease surveillance, improve treatment capacity, and enhance infection control measures in local health facilities.

Community outreach and risk communication

Provincial risk communication specialists have also been mobilised to educate local communities on how to protect themselves from Ebola. These efforts aim to ensure widespread awareness and limit transmission.

Emergency supplies delivered

WHO has delivered two tonnes of emergency supplies, including personal protective equipment (PPE), mobile lab kits, and medical resources, to support the frontline response.

WHO: Urgent response to prevent spread

“We’re acting with determination to rapidly halt the spread of the virus and protect communities,”— Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa

Dr Janabi highlighted the DRC’s strong experience in managing viral outbreaks and affirmed WHO’s commitment to scaling up key response measures.

Preparedness measures and vaccination plans

With transmission ongoing, health officials anticipate the number of cases to rise. Response teams are working to identify, isolate, and treat potential cases quickly.

The DRC has treatments in stock and 2,000 doses of the Ervebo Ebola vaccine—which is effective against this Ebola strain—prepositioned in Kinshasa. These will be rapidly transported to Kasai to vaccinate contacts and frontline health workers.

This outbreak underscores the importance of rapid coordination, community engagement, and timely medical intervention in containing Ebola and protecting vulnerable populations.