It’s caused by the most severe strain: the Zaire Ebola virus. This outbreak began with a 34-year-old pregnant woman who was admitted to hospital on August 20 and died five days later. Two health workers who treated her also became infected and died.
By September 15, there were 81 confirmed cases and 28 deaths, including four health workers.
The DRC has had 15 prior Ebola epidemics, with the largest in 2019 and the most recent in 2022. But genetic analysis shows the outbreak likely began after a spillover from an animal to a human, rather than a continuation of earlier outbreaks.
Although Kasai Province is fairly remote, the risk of further spread is increased by the proximity to the provincial capital, Tshikapa city, and the neighbouring country of Angola, where people travel for trade and work.
But a vaccine adds to the defence this time. The World Health Organization (WHO) are supporting vaccination efforts, sending 400 doses, with more to follow.
“Ring vaccination” of contacts of known cases has started, as well as vaccination of front-line workers.
In addition to vaccination, Ebola outbreaks can be controlled by early isolation of suspected cases, tracing contacts and quarantining them. Adequate hospital capacity for infected people is critical. Setting up field hospitals to increase capacity was key to controlling the 2014 West African epidemic.
Additionally, practising safer funeral rituals by avoiding traditional practices, such as washing or touching bodies, helps prevent transmission. Early supportive care, including rehydration, electrolyte replacement and monoclonal antibody drugs, can save lives.
Yet challenges remain. Vaccination campaigns need cold storage and safe transport to remote areas. Contact tracing is difficult in insecure settings. Infection prevention, particularly through protective gear for staff, demands a constant supply. And of course, early detection is always important.
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