The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced Sunday that the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) could be officially declared over by early December, provided no new infections are detected.
The declaration follows the discharge of the last Ebola patient from a treatment Centre in Bulape, Kasai Province, marking the beginning of a 42-day countdown to the end of the outbreak. Since its emergence on 4 September, the outbreak has resulted in 64 cases — 53 confirmed and 11 probable — with 19 recoveries and no new infections recorded since 25 September.
WHO’s Regional Director for Africa, Mohamed Janabi, described the swift containment as a “remarkable achievement,” crediting effective partnerships, national health expertise, and collective commitment to saving lives. This marks a significant step for the DRC, which previously declared the end of its 15th Ebola outbreak in September 2022. Ebola, a severe and highly infectious hemorrhagic fever, remains one of the most lethal diseases known, causing fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, and internal bleeding. The WHO commended health workers in the region for their vigilance and adherence to infection prevention measures as the country moves closer to full recovery.