TRACKING EMERGING VIRUSES – September 4, 2025 – Ebola
“This will be the 16th outbreak of the deadly virus in the vast central African state that has poor health services, and is hit by conflict in the east.
The latest outbreak is in central Kasai province, with 28 suspected cases recorded, the ministry said.
Officials have urged strict adherence to preventive measures, including frequent handwashing and social distancing in high-risk areas.
Tests identified the Zaire strain of Ebola, a rare but often deadly disease, officials said.”
“”Case numbers are likely to increase as the transmission is ongoing. Response teams and local teams will work to find the people who may be infected and need to receive care, to ensure everyone is protected as quickly as possible,” WHO added in a statement.
DR Congo had a “stockpile of treatments”, including 2,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine, “effective to protect against this type of Ebola”, the global health body said.” (1)
“The World Health Organization said Thursday it dispatched its experts alongside Congo’s Rapid Response Team to Kasai province to strengthen disease surveillance, treatment and infection prevention and control in health facilities. It is also delivering supplies, including personal protective equipment, mobile laboratory equipment and medical supplies.
Congo has a stockpile of treatments and of the Ervebo Ebola vaccine, WHO said.
“We’re acting with determination to rapidly halt the spread of the virus and protect communities,” said Dr. Mohamed Janabi, WHO’s regional director for Africa.” (2)
1.Ebola outbreak kills 15 in DR Congo, by Farouk Chothia, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjed2pg0wy7o.
2. Congo’s health ministry declares new Ebola outbreak, https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/congo-s-health-ministry-declares-new-ebola-outbreak-1.7625099
curated by Jonathan M. Metsch, Dr.P.H.
Clinical Professor of Environmental Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai