Congo has confirmed a fresh outbreak of Ebola in southern Kasai, reporting 28 suspected infections and 15 fatalities.
Health officials identified the initial patient as a pregnant woman admitted in late August with bleeding symptoms in Bulape; she died within a week, followed by illness among hospital staff and lab workers who had contact with her.
The National Institute of Public Health declared a heightened emergency this week after the number of potential cases grew. On Thursday, the health ministry officially stated that Ebola is spreading once again in the region.
Provincial authorities first counted eight deaths, but the number increased rapidly as symptoms typical of Ebola, high fever, vomiting, and various bleeding, spread among others exposed during treatment or burial.