At least 15 people have been confirmed dead following a fresh outbreak of the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Ebola is a highly contagious virus that spreads through contact with bodily fluids such as blood, vomit, or semen.
The illness it causes is rare but severe, and in many cases, fatal
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According to the health ministry in the central African country, the outbreak was detected in central Kasai province, with 28 suspected cases recorded so far.
The confirmed case was of a 34-year-old pregnant woman in the locality of Boulapé, in southern Kasai province.
She was said to have died hours later from multiple organ failure. Four health workers are among the fatalities.
Health Minister Samuel-Roger Kamba said the fatality rate, estimated at 53.6%, showed the gravity of the situation.
“To date, the provisional report shows 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths, including 14 in Boulapé and 1 in Mweka, as well as four health care workers,” Kamba said.
The suspected cases and deaths presented symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea and heavy bleeding.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said it dispatched its experts alongside Congo’s Rapid Response Team to Kasai province to strengthen disease surveillance, treatment and infection prevention and control in health facilities.
It is also delivering supplies including personal protective equipment, mobile laboratory equipment and medical supplies.
WHO said DR Congo has a stockpile of treatments of the Ervebo Ebola vaccine.
“We’re acting with determination to rapidly halt the spread of the virus and protect communities,” said Dr. Mohamed Janabi, WHO regional director for Africa.