Ebola cases rise to 57 in DRC’s Kasai Province
By Samuella Antwi
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing a fresh Ebola outbreak in the Bulape Health Zone of Kasai Province, where health officials have confirmed 11 additional cases, bringing the total number of reported infections to 57.
According to the Ministry of Health, the cases comprise 47 confirmed and 10 probable infections. So far, 35 people have died, including 25 confirmed cases, placing the overall case fatality ratio at 61.4 per cent. Five health workers are among those infected.
The outbreak is currently concentrated in six health areas: Bambalaie, Bulape, Bulape Communautaire, Dikolo, Ingongo and Mpianga. Officials report that the disease is affecting all age groups, with children aged 0 to 9 years particularly vulnerable, accounting for 23 per cent of all infections.
Women represent 61 per cent of the cases, with a fatality rate of 56 per cent compared to 73 per cent among men.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) noted last week that the outbreak had already caused at least 16 deaths and 68 suspected cases since its detection earlier this month.
To curb the spread, an initial 400 doses of the Ervebo vaccine have been deployed, though the World Health Organisation (WHO) admits that limited access and funding remain significant hurdles.
The International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision has since approved the release of an additional 45,000 doses, while 2,000 are already stockpiled in the country.
This outbreak, caused by the Zaire species of the virus, is the 16th instance of Ebola reported in the DRC since the disease was first identified there in 1976.
The Ministry of Health has urged continued vigilance and international support, stressing that without swift intervention, the outbreak could spread beyond Kasai Province.
