A NEW Ebola outbreak in Congo is suspected of causing 15 deaths among 28 people with symptoms, the Health Ministry in the central African country said on Thursday.

It’s the 16th outbreak of Ebola in Congo, and Health Minister Samuel-Roger Kamba said the fatality rate, estimated at 53.6 per cent, showed the gravity of the situation.

The confirmed case was of a pregnant woman in the locality of Boulape, in southern Kasai province. Research on the suspected cases was ongoing.

“To date, the provisional report shows 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths, including 14 in Boulape and one in Mweka, as well as four healthcare workers,” Mr Kamba said.

The suspected cases and deaths presented symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhoea and heavy bleeding.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said it had dispatched its experts alongside Congo’s Rapid Response Team to Kasai province to strengthen disease surveillance, treatment and infection prevention and control in health facilities.

It is also delivering supplies including personal protective equipment, mobile laboratory equipment and medical supplies.

Congo has a stockpile of treatments and of the Ervebo Ebola vaccine, the WHO said.

“We’re acting with determination to rapidly halt the spread of the virus and protect communities,” said Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO regional director for Africa.