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Fear has returned to the Democratic Republic of the Congo as the deadly Ebola virus has broken out again. The World Health Organization has confirmed that at least fifteen people, including four health workers, have died in Kasai Province. There are also more than twenty suspected cases, and the number could rise in the coming days. Read Our Last Post: IGP appoints CSP Benjamin Hundeyin as new Police spokesman
Health experts tested blood samples on 3rd September and confirmed that the disease is the Zaire strain of Ebola, the same strain that has killed thousands in past outbreaks. Victims in Bulape and Mweka health zones have shown terrible symptoms like fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, and bleeding. Families are crying, health workers are at risk, and the entire region is on high alert.
The World Health Organization has already sent a rapid response team, bringing doctors, epidemiologists, laboratory staff, and infection control specialists. They have also delivered over two tonnes of medical supplies, protective equipment, and mobile testing kits. In Kinshasa, two thousand doses of Ebola vaccine are waiting to be moved quickly to Kasai to protect health workers and those in danger. But there is one big challenge: the affected areas are very far and hard to reach, with only a few flights and long road journeys that delay urgent help.
Dr Mohamed Janabi, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, said the situation is very serious but they are working with the government to stop the spread. He warned that more cases might be confirmed as the virus does not wait for anyone. Communities are now being trained to protect themselves and to report suspected cases early, because silence or delay can cost more lives.
This outbreak is not just about health. For poor communities, Ebola always brings a financial crisis. When sickness spreads, markets close, farmers cannot sell their crops, and traders stop travelling. Families lose income and food becomes scarce. In villages where people already struggle with poverty, an outbreak can mean hunger, job loss, and total despair. Every death leaves behind children and loved ones who must fight to survive in an economy that is already hard.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has faced Ebola fifteen times since 1976. In 2007 and 2008, Kasai Province also experienced outbreaks. The most recent one was in 2022 in Equateur Province, and it was stopped within three months. Today, the question many are asking is whether this new outbreak can be controlled fast enough before it damages lives, communities, and the fragile economy once again.
For now, the people of Kasai are counting on health workers, vaccines, and God’s mercy. As the world watches, one thing is clear: a disease like Ebola does not only kill the body, it also destroys businesses, homes, and futures. That is why every Nigerian and every African should care, because when one country suffers, others feel the pain too.
