Health Minister Roger Kamba reported that the outbreak—centered in Bulape, a town in the southern Kasai province—resulted in 53 confirmed cases and 43 deaths. The response effort included a major vaccination campaign that reached more than 27,000 people, among them 4,000 frontline workers who played a critical role in containing the spread.
The virus had extended beyond Bulape to at least four surrounding towns, making this Congo’s 16th recorded Ebola outbreak since the disease was first identified in the country in 1976. It was also the seventh to strike the Kasai region. Early stages of the response were marked by logistical challenges, as the World Health Organization struggled with limited resources and constrained access to affected areas.
While the immediate threat has been contained, the declaration comes at a time when the country is confronting broader insecurity. The rapid offensive launched in January by the M23 rebel group in the east has drawn national attention and strained government capacity, with key cities remaining under insurgent control. The recent Ebola episode added to these pressures, serving as a reminder of how health emergencies can intersect with ongoing conflict.
Congo’s most devastating Ebola outbreak occurred between 2018 and 2020, claiming more than 1,000 lives. The completion of the latest response effort, though smaller in scale, highlights both the country’s experienced health workforce and the persistent vulnerability of communities facing overlapping crises.