The Democratic Republic of Congo has taken a major step towards defeating its latest Ebola outbreak after the last remaining patient was discharged from a treatment centre earlier today.
This development signals the beginning of a mandatory 42-day countdown—equivalent to two incubation cycles of the virus—before the outbreak can be officially declared over.
Since the outbreak was confirmed on 4 September in Bulape Health Zone in Kasai Province, a total of 64 cases have been recorded, including 53 confirmed and 11 probable cases.
Of these, 19 patients have successfully recovered, and encouragingly, no new infections have been reported since 25 September.
The outbreak hit a remote community with limited road access and poor infrastructure, posing serious logistical challenges.
Despite this, the Ministry of Health, backed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and humanitarian partners, moved quickly to contain the spread.
WHO deployed rapid-response teams to bolster surveillance, improve case management, enhance infection prevention, and mobilize community awareness.
A 32-bed Ebola treatment centre, equipped with a two-bed Intensive Infectious Disease Treatment Module (IIDTM)—a first-of-its-kind deployment outside a simulation scenario—was constructed in record time. Vaccination efforts were also scaled up, reaching over 35,000 people in Bulape and surrounding areas.
“The recovery of the last patient just six weeks after the outbreak was declared is a remarkable achievement that shows how strong partnership, national expertise and determination have contributed to overcoming challenges to save and protect lives,” said Dr. Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa.
Health experts, however, caution that vigilance must be maintained. WHO teams and government health workers remain stationed in the area to monitor any potential flare-ups, especially during the critical countdown period.
If no new Ebola cases are detected, the outbreak could be officially declared over by early December 2025, signaling a major victory for public health efforts in the region.