By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have confirmed 11 fresh Ebola cases in the Bulape Health Zone, Kasai Province, bringing total infections to 57 since the outbreak began earlier this month.
According to official figures as of September 21, 47 cases are laboratory-confirmed while 10 remain probable. At least 35 people have died, including five health workers, putting the case fatality rate at 61.4%.
Children under nine account for nearly a quarter of all infections, while women make up 61% of patients. However, men face a higher fatality rate at 73%, compared with 56% among women.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and Africa CDC have warned that the spread of the Zaire strain the deadliest Ebola species is being compounded by conflict, displacement, and a fragile health system.
To curb the outbreak, Congo has started deploying the Ervebo vaccine, though only 400 doses have reached Kasai so far. WHO confirmed that 2,000 doses are already in-country, with a further 45,000 approved for release.
This marks the DRC’s 16th Ebola outbreak since the virus was first identified in 1976. Officials are urging vigilance as the country struggles with both the epidemic and widespread insecurity.