New Ebola outbreak in DRC: rapid sequencing thanks to the AFROSCREEN project
New Ebola outbreak in DRC: rapid sequencing thanks to the AFROSCREEN project
Image credit: NIAID
At the end of August, local health authorities in the Bulape health zone in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) reported suspected cases of Ebola virus disease (EVD). On September 3, 2025, six samples collected from patients were tested at the National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB) in the DRC, which confirmed the presence of the Ebola virus (EBOV) by PCR. Sequencing was carried out immediately and yielded the outbreak consensus genome in less than an hour. The following day, September 4, the DRC officially declared its 16th Ebola outbreak.
Phylogenetic analysis showed that the genome of this new EBOV is closest to that of the Yambuku outbreak in 1976, suggesting a new episode of zoonotic transmission, with no direct link to the 2007–2008 outbreaks.
The re-emergence of the Ebola virus in remote areas is not unexpected: the country has already experienced 15 outbreaks. With a virus persisting in an animal reservoir and able to spill over to humans, it remains essential to stay vigilant and respond quickly. In this case, INRB diagnosed and sequenced the cases particularly rapidly, enabling authorities to deliver an appropriate response. This level of preparedness is partly made possible thanks to the equipment and training provided by the AFROSCREEN project.
These data are based on ongoing work and should be considered preliminary. A publication is in preparation. Click here to read the full communication on the diagnosis and sequencing of this new outbreak in the DRC.
Image credit: NIAID
At the end of August, local health authorities in the Bulape health zone in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) reported suspected cases of Ebola virus disease (EVD). On September 3, 2025, six samples collected from patients were tested at the National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB) in the DRC, which confirmed the presence of the Ebola virus (EBOV) by PCR. Sequencing was carried out immediately and yielded the outbreak consensus genome in less than an hour. The following day, September 4, the DRC officially declared its 16th Ebola outbreak.
Phylogenetic analysis showed that the genome of this new EBOV is closest to that of the Yambuku outbreak in 1976, suggesting a new episode of zoonotic transmission, with no direct link to the 2007–2008 outbreaks.
The re-emergence of the Ebola virus in remote areas is not unexpected: the country has already experienced 15 outbreaks. With a virus persisting in an animal reservoir and able to spill over to humans, it remains essential to stay vigilant and respond quickly. In this case, INRB diagnosed and sequenced the cases particularly rapidly, enabling authorities to deliver an appropriate response. This level of preparedness is partly made possible thanks to the equipment and training provided by the AFROSCREEN project.
These data are based on ongoing work and should be considered preliminary. A publication is in preparation. Click here to read the full communication on the diagnosis and sequencing of this new outbreak in the DRC.