Kasaï Oriental: Over One Thousand Measles Cases Recorded Since the Start of 2026

Mbuji-Mayi, February 26^th, 2026 (CPA) – A total of 1,044 measles cases have been recorded since the beginning of 2026 in Kasaï Oriental Province, central Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to the minutes of the provincial council of ministers reviewed Thursday by CPA. “The increase in measles cases, with 338 new cases during week 7 (February 16–22), totaling 1,044 cases since the start of the year, is very concerning. The provincial Minister of Public Health has urged parents to vaccinate their children,” the report read. “As a reminder, in week 5 of this year, 229 cases, including 2 deaths, were recorded, bringing the cumulative total to 706 cases with 10 deaths and a lethality rate of 1.4%. All 19 health zones and 181 out of 317 health areas in Kasaï Oriental have been affected. The most impacted zones are Mpokolo, Lukelenge, Bonzola, Dibindi, Muya, and Nzaba,” added Pascal Hairnance Ilunga, provincial Minister of Media and Communication and spokesperson for the provincial government, while presenting the report. According to the Health Ministry, the age group most affected remains 0–59 months, accounting for 91.5% of cases. The number of male patients exceeds that of females. The Health Minister also noted that this situation coincides with increases in malaria, respiratory infections, and digestive infections, though exact figures were not provided.