Ebola Cases Surge in Congo's Kasai Province, Suspected Infections Double

Kinshasa, DRC – The number of suspected Ebola cases in the Kasai province of the Democratic Republic of Congo has seen a dramatic increase, more than doubling in the past week, according to a report released Thursday, September 11, 2025, by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). This latest surge marks the 16th Ebola outbreak in the DRC and the seventh to impact the Kasai region, a vast territory in the country's south.

Health officials are working around the clock to contain the escalating outbreak, but are facing significant operational challenges. These include difficulties in reaching remote communities, inadequate infrastructure, and security concerns in some areas. The rapid increase in suspected cases has raised alarms among international health organizations, prompting calls for increased support and resources.

The Africa CDC report detailed that the rise in cases is primarily concentrated in the Mweka health zone, though other areas are also reporting new infections. The exact cause of the recent increase is still under investigation, but contact tracing and surveillance efforts have been intensified. Local health workers, supported by international partners, are deploying rapid response teams to affected areas, focusing on case management, infection prevention and control, and community engagement.

"We are seeing a concerning acceleration in the number of suspected cases," stated Dr. Aruna Sesay, a WHO epidemiologist working in the region. "Our teams are on the ground, working tirelessly to identify cases, provide care, and prevent further transmission. However, the logistical hurdles and the sheer scale of the affected areas make this a challenging operation."

Previous Ebola outbreaks in the DRC have been notoriously difficult to control, often exacerbated by factors such as population mobility, mistrust of health authorities, and the complex socio-political landscape. The current outbreak in Kasai is no exception, with reports of some communities being hesitant to cooperate with health workers.

Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant, practice good hygiene, and report any suspected symptoms to the nearest health facility immediately. The government, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international partners, is working to ensure sufficient supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical supplies are available, and to bolster vaccination efforts where possible.

The long-term implications of this outbreak, including its potential impact on regional stability and public health infrastructure, remain a concern. International aid agencies are mobilizing to provide critical assistance, emphasizing the need for a coordinated and sustained response to bring the outbreak under control.