The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has declared its 16th outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD), confirmed in Kasai Province, government officials announced today.

The index case is a 34-year-old pregnant woman admitted to hospital last month with symptoms including high fever and repeated vomiting. To date, 15 deaths have been reported, and 28 suspected cases identified across two health zones (Bulape and Mweka) in Kasai province. Four of the cases were among healthcare workers. Laboratory tests have confirmed the Zaire strain of Ebola. Investigations are ongoing to determine the source of exposure.

Kasai province last reported an Ebola outbreak in 2008, while Equateur province experienced one in 2022.