The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is grappling with its 16th Ebola outbreak after health officials confirmed a new case in southern Kasai province. The infection, detected in a 34-year-old pregnant woman, brings the suspected case total to 28, including 15 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health.

The outbreak is currently centered in the Bulape and Mweka areas, where patients are exhibiting classic Ebola symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and hemorrhaging. Health Minister Roger Kamba emphasized that figures are still provisional as investigations continue.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is actively supporting the response, deploying experts and sending two tonnes of medical and laboratory supplies. “We’re acting with determination to rapidly halt the spread of the virus and protect communities,” said WHO Africa Regional Director Mohamed Janabi.

Ebola, first identified in 1976, is a highly deadly virus with mortality rates reaching up to 90% in some outbreaks. While the DRC has extensive experience managing such epidemics, authorities are working urgently to contain the current outbreak and prevent further spread.

The last outbreak in the country occurred in April 2022 and was declared over within six weeks.