An escalating Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s southwestern province has resulted in at least 57 cases and 35 deaths, with a 61 percent fatality rate. The first case was identified in late August, and the outbreak was officially declared in early September. The province’s poor infrastructure and overwhelmed health facilities, including a treatment center exceeding capacity, are hindering response efforts. Health responders are struggling to contain the disease due to a critical lack of funding and resources, emphasizing the urgent need for increased support from partners and donors.
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A photograph captured by Doctors Without Borders shows men outside an Ebola treatment center. This center was established in the remote Bulape Health Zone of the Kasaï province in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The facility was set up in response to an outbreak of the Zaire strain of the Ebola virus. The photo was taken on Sunday, September 7, 2025.
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A new Ebola outbreak has been declared in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with at least 15 deaths reported, including four health workers. The outbreak, the 16th in the country, is located in the central Kasai province and has 28 suspected cases. Tests have confirmed the Zaire strain of the virus. The World Health Organization is working to contain the spread, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures and has treatment and vaccine stockpiles available, including 2,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine.
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Heineken has withdrawn its staff and lost operational control of its breweries in Bukavu and Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, due to escalating conflict and the seizure of its facilities by armed personnel. These facilities, representing approximately one-third of Heineken’s Congolese operations, employed roughly 1,000 people. While operations continue in other unaffected areas of the country, Heineken prioritizes employee safety and will continue monitoring the situation. This withdrawal significantly impacts Heineken’s substantial African market share.
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Over sixty unexplained deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s northern region are under investigation by the WHO, with strong suspicion pointing towards poisoning from a water source. The ongoing investigation considers possibilities including a toxic event from biological or chemical sources, while challenges include limited infrastructure and recent U.S. aid cuts impacting local health workers. Initial tests ruled out Ebola and Marburg, but further analysis is underway to identify the cause, with malaria confirmed in some cases. The remote location and pre-existing health system challenges hinder rapid diagnosis and containment efforts.
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Over 400 cases of a flu-like illness, dubbed “Disease X,” have been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Kwango province since October, resulting in 31 deaths. The outbreak, primarily affecting children under five, is complicated by remote location, poor infrastructure, and high rates of malnutrition among severe cases. A suspected case in Italy suggests potential international spread. The WHO is on the ground conducting investigations and laboratory testing to identify the causative agent and understand the transmission dynamics.
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A mystery flu-like illness has killed at least 71 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Kwango province, prompting a government health alert. Symptoms include fever, headache, cough, and anemia, with nearly half of the approximately 380 cases affecting children under five. Epidemiological experts are investigating the disease’s cause and transmission method, hampered by the remote location and limited resources in the affected area. While the government assures sufficient provisions for certain care, concerns remain about the inadequate healthcare infrastructure and the reliance on traditional medicine.
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John Q. Hosedrinker