A new wave of Ebola has struck the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with at least 15 confirmed deaths reported in the country’s south. Authorities fear the virus is spreading quickly, further straining an already fragile healthcare system. This marks the DRC’s 16th recorded Ebola outbreak, with a fatality rate of more than 50%.
According to the National Institute of Biomedical Research in Kinshasa, the current outbreak is linked to one of the deadliest known Ebola strains. The first victim was a 34-year-old pregnant woman from Kasai Province, who developed haemorrhagic fever symptoms last month. Despite being rushed to hospital, she succumbed within hours due to multiple organ failure.
Health Minister Samuel-Roger Kamba confirmed that 28 suspected cases have been detected so far, of which 15 have resulted in deaths. Alarmingly, four of the deceased were frontline medical workers. Authorities estimate the mortality rate stands at 53.6%, raising concerns of further escalation if the virus is not contained swiftly.
WHO Issues Urgent Warning
The World Health Organization (WHO) has cautioned that the outbreak remains in its early stages, with the number of suspected and confirmed cases expected to climb. International health experts emphasise that the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the virus can be contained or if it will spiral into a larger crisis.
The DRC has faced multiple Ebola outbreaks in the past, but repeated flare-ups continue to expose the weaknesses in local infrastructure. Many rural areas lack adequate medical resources, making it difficult to track, test, and treat patients promptly.
Global Concerns Over Virus Spread
The Ebola virus is notorious for its high mortality rate and severe symptoms, including fever, internal bleeding, and organ failure. Its rapid spread raises concerns not only for the DRC but also for neighbouring nations, especially those with porous borders.
Public health specialists are urging swift international support, including medical supplies, funding, and trained personnel, to prevent a repeat of previous outbreaks that devastated communities across Africa. Singaporean health authorities are also monitoring the situation closely, given the globalised nature of travel and the importance of early preparedness.