The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that a recent Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has resulted in 31 deaths. The outbreak, which began earlier this month near the town of Bulape, marks the first Ebola resurgence in the country in three years.
Situation Overview
As of mid-September 2025, there have been 48 confirmed and probable cases of Ebola reported in the DRC. The disease has spread beyond its initial location, with the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noting that it has now affected four districts, up from two when the outbreak was first declared.
WHO Response and Support
In response to the outbreak, the WHO and its partners have mobilized resources to support the DRC government’s efforts. This includes the delivery of over 14 tons of essential medical equipment and supplies, as well as the deployment of 48 experts to assist with containment and treatment measures.
An Ebola treatment center has been established in Goma, featuring 18 beds, with 16 patients currently receiving care. Additionally, vaccination campaigns are underway targeting contacts, potential contacts, and frontline workers. Monoclonal antibody therapy, specifically Mab114, has been administered to 14 patients thus far.
Ongoing Efforts and Challenges
Health authorities have identified and are monitoring more than 900 contacts of confirmed cases. While two patients have recovered and been discharged, the situation remains critical, and efforts continue to prevent further spread.
Ebola, a viral hemorrhagic fever first identified in the DRC in 1976, is primarily transmitted through contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals or animals. The dense tropical forests of the DRC provide a natural reservoir for the virus, making containment efforts challenging.
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