The number of suspected Ebola cases in DR Congo's southern Kasai province have more than doubled in a week since a new outbreak was confirmed there, Africa’s top public health agency said on Thursday.

The suspected cases have increased from 28 to 68 in recent days, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said at an online briefing. It has also spread from to two to four districts while the death toll currently stands at 16.

Local residents expressed concerns on Thursday over the outbreak, the first in DR Congo in three years and the province’s first in more than a decade.

The fighting in eastern DR Congo has complicated efforts to contain the disease, which can spread rapidly due to the proximity and density of villages and provinces, Dr. Ngashi Ngongo, a principal adviser with Africa CDC, said at the briefing.

WHO sends experts to DR Congo

“It was two (districts), now it is four,” Ngongo said.

The outbreak was announced a week ago after a pregnant woman was confirmed to have been infected in the locality of Boulapé.

The World Health Organization sent experts alongside DR Congo’s Rapid Response Team to Kasai to strengthen disease surveillance, offer treatment and monitor infection preventions and controls.

The Central African country has a history of Ebola since 1976. The latest outbreak is the 16th in the country and the 7th in the Kasai province. A previous outbreak between 2018 and 2020 in eastern DR Congo killed more than 1,000 people.

Efforts to contain outbreak

Local authorities in Kasai are trying to contain the outbreak. Public movements have been curtailed and checkpoints have been set up at the main entrances to Tshikapa, the capital of the province, authorities said.

In Boulapé, people are concerned about the impact on their living conditions, Ethienne Makashi, the local official in charge of water, hygiene and sanitation, said.

“However, we do have one case showing good progress, which gives a glimmer of hope for those receiving care,” said Makashi.