The outbreak's index case was identified as a pregnant woman in the town of Bulape. She was admitted to a local hospital in late August with severe bleeding and died within a week. Shortly after her death, a number of hospital staff and laboratory workers who had been in contact with her began to exhibit symptoms. The illness spread quickly, with provincial authorities initially reporting eight deaths, a number that has since climbed. The symptoms, including high fever, vomiting, and various forms of bleeding, are consistent with the deadly hemorrhagic fever.
Ebola is known to spread through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person. This makes healthcare workers, family members, and caregivers particularly vulnerable, especially during patient care and burial rituals. Early signs of infection often mimic other diseases, with fever, fatigue, and muscle aches, before progressing to more severe bleeding and organ failure. The virus is highly lethal, with past outbreaks having a mortality rate of nearly 50%.
This latest outbreak marks the 16th time the DRC has battled Ebola since the virus was first identified in the country in 1976. The central African nation remains a hotbed for recurrent infections. The health ministry is now focused on containing the spread and providing care, while the international community is expected to mobilize support for the response efforts.