A new outbreak of Ebola virus has claimed at least 15 lives in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Gatekeepers News reports that health officials confirmed that the outbreak was detected in Kasai province, where 28 suspected cases have so far been identified.
Laboratory tests revealed the presence of the Zaire strain of the virus after a 34-year-old pregnant woman, admitted on August 20 with high fever and severe vomiting, died within hours from multiple organ failure. Among the victims are four healthcare workers.
World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that more cases are expected as transmission continues. In response, the agency is deploying two tons of emergency supplies, including mobile lab equipment and medical materials, to support containment efforts.
Congo’s most recent outbreak occurred three years ago and resulted in six deaths, while a larger epidemic between 2018 and 2020 killed more than 2,000 people.
