The World Health Organization reported a decline in Ebola virus transmission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Wednesday, even as the outbreak in Kasai Province claimed 42 lives, including three health workers.

The WHO, in its latest situation report, stated that, as of Sept 28, a total of 64 cases – 53 confirmed and 11 probable – have been recorded in Bulape Health Zone, where the overall case fatality ratio stands at 66 percent. Five healthcare workers have been infected, with three of them succumbing to the virus.

Transmission is now described as "more localized and less explosive" compared with the initial phase, which was marked by nosocomial infections and superspreading events.

The outbreak remains confined to six of the 21 health districts in Bulape, with 14 new cases reported during the latest period, among them seven fatalities.

The WHO has reported that women and children remain disproportionately affected by the outbreak. Women account for 58 percent of cases and more than half of reported deaths, while children under 10 years make up a quarter of infections and nearly a third of fatalities. Young adults aged 20–29 are also among the most affected groups.

Vaccination efforts are continuing in Kasai Province, with 12,130 doses delivered. By Sunday, 4,115 people had been immunized through ring vaccination, a strategy targeting the contacts of confirmed cases and their contacts, according to the WHO.

Despite progress, the agency warned that small family clusters could sustain low-level transmission if not quickly identified and isolated.

It stressed that surveillance, vaccination, infection prevention and control, as well as community engagement, must remain in place until all transmission chains are broken.

"Continued vigilance and sustained investment are essential to consolidate the gains, prevent resurgence and ultimately bring the outbreak to an end," the WHO report added.

The organization stated that no international travel-related measures are warranted at this stage, but monitoring of cross-border risks will continue. Technical support is also being provided to minimize the chances of regional spread.

The current outbreak comes three years after the DRC declared the end of its 15th Ebola outbreak in September 2022, which began with a confirmed case in the eastern province of North Kivu.

sharon@chinadailyafrica.com