World Health Organization Confirms 48 Ebola Cases in Congo Outbreak as Death Toll Rises to 31

(GENEVA) – The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed a significant and deadly resurgence of the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with 48 confirmed and probable cases reported and a death toll of 31 individuals.

The outbreak, declared by the DRC government in early September, marks the country's first encounter with the deadly virus in three years. The WHO has swiftly initiated a major response, deploying vaccines, medical supplies, and expert teams to the affected Kasai Province to contain the virus's spread.

Vaccination Campaign Launched at Epicenter

In a critical move to stem the outbreak, the WHO began vaccinating frontline health workers and known contacts of infected individuals over the weekend. An initial batch of 400 doses of the highly effective Ervebo vaccine has been delivered to the town of Bulape, identified as the epicenter of the crisis.

"This is the DRC's first Ebola outbreak in three years... So far, 48 confirmed and probable cases have been reported, and 31 people have died," stated WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a briefing from Geneva.

The country has a stockpile of 2,000 vaccine doses ready for deployment as the situation evolves.

Comprehensive WHO Response Underway

The global health body has mounted a robust response to support the DRC's efforts. Beyond vaccinations, the WHO has delivered over 14 tonnes of essential medical supplies to the region and established a dedicated Ebola treatment center. Currently, 16 patients are receiving care in the facility, offering a beacon of hope as the first two patients were successfully treated and discharged on Tuesday.

A key strategy in containing Ebola is contact tracing. Health teams have identified and are actively monitoring more than 900 individuals who may have been exposed to the virus, a massive undertaking critical to breaking the chains of transmission.

International Risk Deemed Low, Vigilance Urged

The dense tropical forests of the DRC are a natural reservoir for the Ebola virus, which causes severe fever, body aches, diarrhea, and hemorrhaging. The virus can also persist in survivors and re-emerge years later.

While the situation is grave within the region, international health agencies currently assess the global risk as low. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health advisory to notify domestic health departments and clinicians but confirmed that "no suspected, probable, or confirmed cases related to the outbreak have been reported in the United States or outside Congo."

The CDC reiterated that the risk of spread to the United States is considered low at this time. However, the outbreak underscores the persistent threat of Ebola in the region and the necessity for continued global vigilance and support.