• DR Congo reports a new Ebola outbreak in Kasai province with 28 suspected cases.
• The outbreak has resulted in 15 fatalities, including four healthcare workers.
• WHO responds by deploying experts and medical supplies to combat the outbreak.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in the southern Kasai province, with 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths reported. The Ministry of Health identified the initial case—a 34-year-old pregnant woman exhibiting severe symptoms such as fever and vomiting. Tragically, the patient died shortly after admission, leading to further infections among healthcare workers and relatives who came into contact with her, according to Africanews and BBC.

The outbreak has prompted a swift response from international health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), which has deployed a rapid response team to support local health agencies. WHO officials have highlighted the urgency, noting that ongoing research is essential to assessing the full impact of the outbreak. "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, according to Al Jazeera and South China Morning Post.

According to Health Minister Samuel-Roger Kamba, the current case fatality rate is approximately 53.6%, a concerning statistic due to the highly contagious nature of the Ebola virus, which can spread through bodily fluids. This outbreak is notably the 16th occurrence in the DRC, reflecting a concerning pattern of persistent health risks associated with the virus since its identification in 1976, as reported by India Times and Africanews.

In light of the outbreak, WHO has prepared 2,000 doses of the Ervebo Ebola vaccine to vaccinate healthcare workers and contacts of confirmed cases. The WHO emphasizes a collaborative approach with Congo's health services to enhance disease prevention, treatment, and surveillance mechanisms, according to South China Morning Post and Africanews.