-
-
Text and image translated by Google
Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) Response Plan Bulape Health Zone
Format Other SourcePosted 5 Sep 2025 Originally published 5 Sep 2025
Attachments
https://reliefweb.int/report/democratic-republic-congo/plan-de-reponse-la-maladie-virus-ebola-mve-zone-de-sante-de-bulape
----------------------------
From the PDF link above:
...
...
...Comment
-
Ebola virus disease - Democratic Republic of the Congo
5 September 2025
Situation at a glance
On 1 September 2025, WHO received an alert from the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) regarding suspected cases of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in the Bulape Health Zone, Kasai Province, DRC. The first known index case was a pregnant woman who presented at Bulape General Reference Hospital on 20 August 2025 with symptoms of high fever, bloody diarrhoea, haemorrhage and extreme weakness. She died on 25 August from multiple organ failure. On 4 September 2025, following confirmatory laboratory testing, the Ministry of Health declared an outbreak of EVD. Ebola virus disease is a serious, often fatal illness in humans. The virus is transmitted to humans through close contact with the blood or secretions of infected wildlife and then spreads through human-to-human transmission. As of 4 September 2025, 28 suspected cases, including 15 deaths (case fatality ratio (CFR): 54%), have been reported from three areas of the Bulape health zone (Bulape, Bulape Com and Dikolo) and Mweka health zone. Among the deaths, four are health-care workers. About 80% of the suspected cases are aged 15 years and older. Six samples were collected from five suspected cases and one probable death from Bulape health zone and arrived on 3 September at the National Public Health Laboratory (INRB) in Kinshasa for confirmation testing. All five samples tested positive for Ebola virus (EBOV) through GeneXpert and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assays on 3 September 2025. The Ministry of Health, with support from WHO and partners, is implementing public health response measures to contain the outbreak. WHO assesses the overall public health risk posed by the current EVD outbreak as high at the national level, moderate at the regional level and low at the global level.
Description of the situation
On 1 September 2025, WHO received an alert from the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) regarding suspected cases of EVD in the Bulape Health Zone, Kasai Province, DRC. The first known suspected index case was admitted to the Bulape General Reference Hospital on 20 August 2025. The patient was a pregnant woman at 34-weeks of gestation who presented with symptoms of fever, bloody diarrhoea, haemorrhage, vomiting, asthenia, followed by multiple organ failure. She died on 25 August 2025. Two of the health-care workers that had initially been in contact with this first case also developed similar symptoms and died.
As of 4 September 2025, a total of 28 suspected cases, including 15 deaths, of which four are health-care workers (case fatality ratio (CFR): 54%) have been reported from three areas of the Bulape health zone (Bulape, Bulape Com and Dikolo) and Mweka health zone. About 80% of the suspected cases are aged 15 years and older. Five blood samples from five suspected cases and a naso-pharyngeal swab from a probable death were collected from the three health areas and shipped to the National Public Health Laboratory (INRB) in Kinshasa for testing.
On 3 September 2025, the laboratory testing conducted at INRB confirmed Ebola virus (EBOV)[1] through GeneXpert and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assays.
The results obtained from whole genome sequencing suggest that the outbreak is a new zoonotic spillover event and is not directly linked to the 2007 Luebo or 2008/2009 Mweka EVD outbreaks.[2]
Figure 1. Map of suspected cases and deaths of Ebola virus disease by health zone, as of 4 September 2025
Epidemiology
Ebola virus disease is a severe disease caused by the Ebola virus (EBOV). The virus belongs to the species Orthoebolavirus Zairense. The virus is transmitted to humans through close contact with the blood or secretions of infected wildlife and then spreads through human-to-human transmission by direct contact with bodily fluids, organs, or contaminated surfaces and materials.
The incubation period, the time between infection with the virus and the onset of symptoms, ranges from 2 to 21 days, but typically is 7–11 days. People are not infectious during the incubation period; they become contagious with early symptoms, therefore, transmission risk begins at the onset of clinical signs and increases with disease severity.
The average case fatality ratio is 50%; case fatality ratios ranging from 25% to 90% have been reported in previous outbreaks. The disease is characterised by an acute onset of fever with non-specific symptoms/signs (e.g., abdominal pain, anorexia, fatigue, malaise, myalgia, sore throat) usually followed several days later by nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and occasionally a variable rash. Severe illness may include haemorrhagic manifestations (e.g., bleeding), encephalopathy, shock/hypotension, multi-organ failure, and spontaneous abortion in infected pregnant women. Individuals who recover may experience prolonged sequelae (e.g., arthralgia, neurocognitive dysfunction, uveitis, sometimes followed by cataract formation), and clinical and subclinical persistent infection may occur in immune-privileged compartments (e.g., central nervous system, eyes, testes). Family members, health and care providers, and participants in burial ceremonies with direct contact with the deceased are at particular risk.
Public health response
Health authorities are implementing public health measures, including but not limited to the following:- A crisis committee was activated at both the local and provincial levels.
- Risk communication and active surveillance activities are ongoing.
- All cases are isolated, and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures have been implemented.
- Patients are receiving intravenous medication.
- Contact isolation and tracing are continuing.
- Investigations are ongoing.
WHO is supporting the national authorities, including through:- Risk assessment and investigation.
- Providing operational, financial and technical support to the Ministry of Health to ensure swift response.
- Provision of essential supplies (Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), medical supplies and infrastructures support)
- The approved Ervebo vaccine is available with a stock of 2000 doses located in Kinshasa expected to be shipped shortly to the affected area, to vaccinate contacts of confirmed or suspected cases, frontline and health workers.
This is the 16th EVD outbreak in the DRC since 1976. The current outbreak occurs after almost three years without a confirmed EVD outbreak in the country. The last EVD outbreak in the country was declared on 15 August 2022 in Beni city, North Kivu province, with one single case reported who later died, and the MoH declared the end of the outbreak on 27 September 2022. In the Bulape district, the epicentre of the current outbreak, the last EVD outbreak was recorded in 2007.
This outbreak is occurring in a complex epidemiological and humanitarian context. The country is facing several outbreaks, including mpox, cholera, and measles. In addition, the country is experiencing a long-term economic and political crisis. The country's resources and capacity to effectively respond to the current outbreak are therefore limited.
The epicentre of this outbreak is inthe proximity of the Tshikapa city, the capital city of the Kasai province, and the Angolan border (approximately 100 to 200 kilometres, depending on the nearest border crossing point). Although the affected district is a hard-to-reach rural area relatively far from the two main urban centres of Mbuji Mayi and Kananga, population movements between different parts of the province are frequent, especially between Bulape and Tshikapa.
In addition, epidemiological investigations are ongoing with transmission chains, and the source of the outbreak has not yet been identified; therefore, additional infected people cannot be ruled out. The date of symptom onset for the first case is not yet known, as well as the therapeutic itinerary prior to health facility consultation, which further increases the likelihood of an ongoing community transmission with further risk of spread to other health districts.
WHO assesses the overall public health risk posed by the current EVD outbreak as high at the national level, moderate at the regional level and low at the global level.
WHO advice
Effective outbreak control relies on the application of a set of interventions, namely clinical management, IPC & Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), surveillance and contact tracing, good laboratory service, safe and dignified burials, community engagement, and social mobilization. The Ebola virus can persist in some body fluids of people who have recovered from EVD. In a limited number of cases, secondary transmissions resulting from exposure to the body fluids of people who have recovered from EVD have been documented. Therefore, maintaining collaborative relationships with survivor associations while monitoring survivors is a priority to mitigate any potential risks.
Early diagnosis and initiation of optimized supportive clinical care can reduce mortality from EVD. In addition, monoclonal antibodies active against a 3-antibody combination of atoltivimab, maftivimab and odesivimab [Inmazeb®] or a single antibody ansuvimab [Ebanga®]. Ebola treatment centres should be designed and managed to ensure safe care is provided with appropriate biosecurity and infection prevention and control intervention, and allow optimized care, allowing direct visualization of patients in the red zone as much as possible. WHO and partners have worked to develop these innovative solutions.
There is a need to strengthen surveillance and other response activities, including at relevant points of entry and borders, to contain the possibility of exponential spread. Cases, contacts and individuals in affected areas who present signs and symptoms compatible with case definitions should be considered suspects and cared for and treated in designated treatment facilities with appropriate biosecurity, infection prevention and control and be offered testing in a timely fashion and advised not to travel. Collaboration with neighbouring countries should be enhanced to harmonize reporting mechanisms, conduct joint investigations, and share critical data in real time. Surrounding countries should enhance readiness activities to enable early case detection, isolation and treatment. Critical infection prevention and control measures should be implemented and/or strengthened in all health care facilities, per WHO's Infection prevention and control guideline for Ebola and Marburg disease. Health workers caring for patients with confirmed or suspected Ebola should apply transmission-based precautions in addition to standard precautions, including appropriate use of PPE and hand hygiene according to the WHO 5 moments to avoid contact with patients’ blood and other body fluids, and with contaminated surfaces and objects. Waste generated in health-care facilities must be safely segregated, safely collected, transported, stored, treated and finally disposed. National guidelines should be followed on rules and regulations for safe waste disposal or WHO’s guidelines on safe waste management.
Patient-care activities should be undertaken in a clean and hygienic environment that facilitates practices related to the prevention and control of health-care-associated infections, as outlined in Essential environmental health standards in health care. Safe water, adequate sanitation and hygiene infrastructure and services should be provided in healthcare facilities. For details on recommendations and improvement, follow the WASH FIT implementation Package.
In accordance with the recommendations of the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on immunization, the Ervebo vaccine is recommended during an EVD outbreak due to EBOV for ring vaccination, for contacts and potential contacts of confirmed/suspected EVD cases, as well as for frontline workers. A global stockpile has been established and is being coordinated by the International Coordination Group for vaccine procurement.
WHO advises against any restrictions on travel and/or trade to the Democratic Republic of the Congo based on available information for the current outbreak.
...
Comment
-
Translation Google
Kasai: Temporary suspension of classes following the outbreak of Ebola in Mweka, 33 confirmed cases including 16 deaths
September 6, 2025
By The Editorial Staff
The population of the Bulape health zone, in Mweka territory, has been in a state of general panic since the outbreak of the Ebola virus in this area.
According to Dr. Jean Paul Mikobi, chief medical officer of Bulape, one of the areas affected by the virus, 33 cases have been confirmed, including 16 deaths, representing a case fatality rate of 48.4%.
However, he fears a surge in contamination, given that the population has fled to the bush, making it difficult to trace contact cases.
Doctor Jean-Paul Mikobi reports that, among the patients admitted this Friday as an emergency room, two had taken refuge in the bush while already infected, and emerged weakened, presenting a grim picture.
According to him, a team of experts from the National Institute for Biomedical Research (INRB), who came from Kinshasa, set up a mobile laboratory to test samples taken from patients on site at the Bulape General Referral Hospital.
Two of the four health zones in the Mweka territory are already affected by this virus.
Following this spread of the virus, the administrator of the Mweka territory has implemented partial lockdown measures. The decision was made during the meeting held this Friday in the area. Several other measures have been taken, including the temporary suspension of classes in all schools in the Mweka region, the closure of weekly markets, and the suspension of academic conferral activities at the official Mweka University and higher education institutions until further notice.
Comment
-
Translation Google
New Ebola Resurgence in Kasai, 34 Cases and 15 Deaths Recorded- September 6, 2025
- Posted by insp.cd
06Sep
The Democratic Republic of Congo is facing a new episode of the Zaire strain of Ebola virus disease. The first case was confirmed in the Bulape health zone, Mweka territory, Kasai province. The announcement was made on Thursday, September 4, 2025, by the Minister of Public Health, Roger Kamba, during a press briefing in Kinshasa, in the presence of the Director General of the National Institute of Public Health (INSP).
According to the latest epidemiological data, 34 cases and 15 deaths have already been recorded in this part of the country. This is the 16th episode of resurgence of the disease in the DRC.
The response already underway
The INSP, through its Public Health Emergency Operations Center (COUSP), has deployed a team on the ground since Friday, September 5, to coordinate the response. Priority actions include:
the mobilization of local inputs and the deployment of equipment from Kinshasa, raising awareness among the population about respecting barrier gestures, the management of confirmed and suspected cases, the protection and training of health personnel, local communication with communities.
A difficult to access area
Located approximately 35 kilometers from Mweka territory, the Bulape health zone covers an area of 6,533 km². Its isolation and the very poor condition of the roads complicate the rapid delivery of medical supplies, which constitutes a major challenge for intervention teams.
A recurring challenge
Since 1976, the DRC has experienced several Ebola outbreaks. The persistence of the disease underscores the need to strengthen epidemiological surveillance, local health systems, and community resilience in the face of this deadly virus.
The government, with the support of its technical and financial partners, calls for vigilance, solidarity and strict compliance with preventive measures to contain this new resurgence.
Comment
-
Translation Google
Kasai: Ebola response strengthened after vaccination of INSP teams
By Serge Mavungu
The response to the resurgence of Ebola in Kasai province is intensifying with preventive vaccination against the virus by experts from the INSP - National Institute of Public Health - and technical and financial partners of the Congolese Government, before reaching Bulape, the epicentre of the epidemic .
The go-ahead was given by the Coordinator of COUSP (Centre for Public Health Emergency Operations), Professor Christian Ngandu, who himself set an example by being publicly vaccinated. This strong gesture marks the official launch of the vaccination of field teams before their deployment.
These experts will strengthen the team already at work since September 5.
Their main missions are to support epidemiological surveillance, patient care, local communication with communities, and targeted vaccination of at-risk populations.
Under the leadership of INSP Director General Dr. Dieudonné Mwamba, the response is being coordinated through COUSP, a veritable command center. With 43 confirmed cases, including 15 deaths, this outbreak is the 16th episode of Ebola in the DRC since 1976, when the first epidemic was reported in Yambuku, in what is now Mongala province.
As in similar situations, health authorities are calling on the population to be vigilant and to strictly respect hygiene measures to help break the chain of transmission of the virus.
Monday, September 8, 2025 - 08:21
Comment
-
Image translated by Google
Comment
-
DRC: The Kasai provincial government confines the city of Bulape in the face of the Ebola epidemic
The provincial government of Kasai, in the center of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has announced the lockdown of the city of Bulape, located in the territory of Mweka, due to the spread of the Ebola virus. This decision was made following the alert launched by local health authorities, who identified several cases in the region.
According to an official statement from the provincial government, strict measures have been put in place to control travel between Bulape and other surrounding areas. "Control posts will be installed at the three main entrances to the city, namely those of Dekese, Mushenge and Dombo, to monitor people who try to enter or leave the area concerned," says the press release.
In addition, two additional checkpoints will be installed at the Tshimbinda and Luenda River bridges, respectively at the entrance to the city of Tshikapa and on National number 1, before the city of Kakumba. These measures are intended to control the movements of people coming from Mweka, in order to limit the spread of the virus to the provincial capital.
Health authorities also urge the population to observe strict hygiene and health safety rules to avoid contamination. Recommendations include avoiding direct contact with sick people or their secretions, as well as compliance with barrier measures, such as washing hands with soap and water, avoiding crowds, and wearing a mask.
We count on everyone's vigilance to limit the spread of this deadly disease, "says the statement, also calling for the avoidance of any form of stigmatization of Ebola patients.
The confinement of Bulape is part of a set of measures taken to contain the disease and protect the population, as the DRC is fighting this epidemic that threatens to spread to other regions of the country.
Comment
-
Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions- New Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the CongoSeptember 08, 2025The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is experiencing an Ebola outbreak in the Bulape and Mweka Health Zones of Kasai Province.
Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Level 4 - Avoid All Travel
Level 3 - Reconsider Nonessential Travel
Level 2 - Practice Enhanced Precautions
Level 1 - Practice Usual Precautions Key points- The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is experiencing an Ebola outbreak in the Bulape and Mweka Health Zones of Kasai Province (see map).
- This outbreak has been linked to Ebola virus (species Orthoebolavirus zairense).
- Local health authorities in the DRC are working to identify infected people and sources of transmission, conduct investigations, take action to prevent further transmission, and educate communities and the public about the risks and dangers of Ebola.
- While not commercially available, there is an FDA-approved vaccine for the prevention of Ebola virus (species Orthoebolavirus zairense only). It is presently available to certain individuals in select occupations (e.g., outbreak responders). Contact your healthcare provider about eligibility and access to the vaccine.
- If you travel to Bulape or Mweka Health Zones in the DRC, you should:
- Review Health Information for Travelers to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to find out about routine precautions travelers should take when traveling to the DRC.
- Consider getting travel insurance before you travel, including health and medical evacuation insurance, to cover yourself in case delays, injuries, or illnesses occur on your trip.
- Avoid contact with sick people who have symptoms, such as fever, muscle pain, and rash.
- Avoid contact with blood and other body fluids or objects that are contaminated with them.
- Avoid contact with bats, forest antelopes, nonhuman primates (e.g., monkeys, chimpanzees, gorillas), and blood, fluids, or raw meat from these or unknown animals.
- Avoid going into areas where bats live, such as mines or caves.
- Watch your health for symptoms of Ebola while in the outbreak area and for 21 days after leaving. If you develop fever, headache, muscle pain, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, and unexplained bleeding or bruising (a late stage of illness):
- Separate yourself from others (isolate) immediately.
- Do not travel.
- Contact local health authorities or a healthcare facility for advice. Calling ahead before going to a healthcare facility helps the facility prepare for your arrival, including contacting health authorities and taking any precautions needed to protect staff and other patients.
- Health Information for Travelers to the Democratic Republic of the Congo
- CDC Ebola Website
- Travel Health and Medical Evacuation Insurance
- Register with the U.S. Department of State
- Post-Travel Evaluation to Rule Out Viral Special Pathogen Infectionin the CDC Yellow Book: Health Information for International Travel
- Clinical Screening and Diagnosis for VHFs | Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs) | CDC
- Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs) for Healthcare Providers
- Ebola Vaccine Product Information | Ebola | CDC
- Ebola Vaccine VIS
Map of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (View larger)
What is Ebola?
Ebola disease (Ebola) is a rare and deadly illness that has, at times, caused outbreaks in several African countries.
Ebola is spread by contact with the blood or body fluids of a person who is infected with or has died from Ebola. It is also spread by contact with contaminated objects (such as clothing, bedding, needles, and medical equipment), or by contact with animals, such as bats and nonhuman primates, that are infected with Ebola virus.
Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, and unexplained bleeding or bruising (a late stage of illness).
Two Food and Drug Administration-approved treatments are currently available to treat Ebola virus disease due to infection with Ebola virus (species Orthoebolavirus zairense): Inmazeb™ and Ebanga™.
Ebola viruses can cause serious and often deadly disease, with a mortality rate as high as 80 to 90 percent without treatment.
Page last reviewed: September 08, 2025
Comment
-
Translation Google
Sankuru population urged to strengthen barrier measures against Ebola (Provincial Minister of Health)
September 9, 2025
Kinshasa, September 2025 (ACP).- The population and health workers of Sankuru, in the center of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), were called on Monday to strengthen barrier gestures and preventive measures against Ebola, which is raging in the health zone of Bulape, in Kasai province neighboring Sankuru, during an awareness message. "I would like to give this message of awareness and prevention against the spread of the Ebola virus disease to the population of Sankuru and health workers. I call on the population and health workers to strengthen preventive measures and observe barrier gestures," said Tony Elonge, provincial Minister of Health. According to him, there is an epidemic of Ebola virus disease that has been declared in the neighboring province of Kasai, in the health zone of Bulape, a health zone that borders our health zones of Benadibélé and Koke. According to Dr. Elonge, given this geographical proximity and the shared flora and fauna, as well as the exchanges between our communities, we must strengthen measures of vigilance, prevention, and solidarity. "We are providing these recommendations for the population as part of individual hygiene and prevention. Therefore, we must wash our hands regularly with water, ash, and soap. Or with a chlorine solution," he added. The Sankuru Provincial Health Minister indicated that during this period, we must avoid touching or handling animal carcasses found in the forest. "You know that we share the same equatorial forest, of course, but especially in the territories of Colé and Loméla. We should not consume bush meat that comes from sick or dead animals. We should not come into direct contact with the blood, secretions, or objects of a person suspected of or sick with Ebola." And as part of community behavior, anyone with high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual bleeding should be promptly reported to the nearest health workers,” he said. As part of care and biosecurity, Mr. Elonge recommended strict adherence to prevention and infection control measures, the wearing of gloves, masks, gowns, and regular handwashing, immediately referring suspected cases to specialized treatment centers, properly disinfecting places frequented by patients, and safely managing biomedical waste. ACP/
Comment
-
- Do not take medical advice from the internet. If you have any medical questions please consult your medical practitioner.
LATEST POSTS - click HERE
Check out the FAQ,Terms of Service & Disclaimers by clicking the link. Please register to be able to post. By viewing this site you are agreeing to our Terms of Service and Acknowledge our Disclaimers.
FluTrackers.com Inc. does not provide medical advice. Information on this web site is collected from various internet resources, and the FluTrackers board of directors makes no warranty to the safety, efficacy, correctness or completeness of the information posted on this site by any author or poster. The information collated here is for instructional and/or discussion purposes only and is NOT intended to diagnose or treat any disease, illness, or other medical condition. Every individual reader or poster should seek advice from their personal physician/healthcare practitioner before considering or using any interventions that are discussed on this website. By continuing to access this website you agree to consult your personal physican before using any interventions posted on this website, and you agree to hold harmless FluTrackers.com Inc., the board of directors, the members, and all authors and posters for any effects from use of any medication, supplement, vitamin or other substance, device, intervention, etc. mentioned in posts on this website, or other internet venues referenced in posts on this website.- We are not asking for any donations. Do not donate to any entity who says they are raising funds for us.
Tweet
Comment