Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo: Mercy Corps Launches Emergency Response

Strategic Insights -

The Democratic Republic of Congo's (DRC) Ministry of Health declared an Ebola outbreak in Kasai Province on September 4, 2025, after confirming Zaire ebolavirus in Bulape Health Zone. According to health officials, the outbreak has claimed 42 lives out of 31 confirmed and 11 probable cases, including four health workers. The fatality rate is approximately two-thirds (66.6%), with Bulape and Dikole being the hardest-hit areas. In response, Mercy Corps has launched an emergency intervention to support containment efforts, including the delivery of personal protective equipment (PPE) to local health authorities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Ebola outbreak in DRC's Kasai Province has claimed 42 lives out of 31 confirmed and 11 probable cases, including four health workers, with a fatality rate of 66.6%.
  • The outbreak has been declared in Bulape Health Zone, and Bulape and Dikole remain the hardest-hit areas.
  • Mercy Corps has launched an emergency response, including the delivery of personal protective equipment (PPE) to local health authorities.
  • The outbreak is part of a broader humanitarian emergency in eastern DRC, where 7 million people, including 3.5 million children, are displaced, and 26 million people nationwide need assistance.
  • This marks the 16th Ebola outbreak in DRC since the virus was first identified in 1976.
  • Mercy Corps has been working in DRC since 2007 and has a strong track record of delivering humanitarian assistance and building resilience to repeated crises.
  • The organization has strengthened risk communication, disease surveillance, community trust, and improved WASH services and infrastructure during past Ebola outbreaks.

Statistics:

  • 42 lives claimed by the Ebola outbreak in Kasai Province
  • 31 confirmed and 11 probable cases reported out of 42 deaths
  • Fatality rate of 66.6% in Bulape and Dikole areas
  • 7 million people displaced in eastern DRC
  • 3.5 million children among the displaced population
  • 26 million people in need of assistance nationwide
  • 16th Ebola outbreak in DRC since the virus was first identified in 1976
  • 3.8 million people reached by Mercy Corps' humanitarian assistance in DRC in 2024

Sources:

  • Mercy Corps, "Ebola Outbreak in DRC: Mercy Corps Launches Emergency Response" (October 14, [no date provided])
  • Democratic Republic of Congo's Ministry of Health, "Ebola outbreak in Kasai Province declared" (September 4, 2025)