WHO Confirms End of Ebola Outbreak in DRC
The World Health Organization has officially announced the conclusion of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
This declaration came after the DRC Ministry of Health confirmed that no new cases had emerged over a 42-day period, which encompasses two full incubation cycles. This period followed the discharge of the last confirmed patient on October 19.
This marks the 16th Ebola outbreak in the DRC since the virus was first identified in 1976.
The outbreak saw a total of 64 cases reported (53 confirmed, 11 probable), with 45 fatalities occurring across six regions in the Bulape Health Zone of Kasai province. Notably, five healthcare workers contracted the virus, three of whom passed away.
The WHO noted, “The outbreak initially involved nosocomial transmission and a high-transmission funeral gathering, with high mortality among young children.”
During the outbreak, around 47,000 people were vaccinated against Ebola. The WHO, in collaboration with the DRC health ministry and other partners, set up a 32-bed treatment center only days after the first case was reported.
A team of 112 experts and frontline responders was deployed to assist in rapidly scaling up and maintaining the response efforts. Over 150 tonnes of medical supplies were delivered to protect healthcare workers and the surrounding communities.
“Controlling and ending this Ebola outbreak in three months is a remarkable achievement. National authorities, frontline health workers, partners, and communities acted with speed and unity in one of the country’s hard-to-reach localities,” commented Mohamed Janabi, MD, the WHO regional director for Africa.
An innovative treatment facility known as the Infectious Disease Treatment Module was established to provide safer and more patient-friendly care. Developed by the WHO, it aimed to enhance protection for healthcare workers while ensuring a dignified experience for patients.
This was the second Ebola outbreak in the DRC in 2025. Earlier in the year, Uganda experienced a separate outbreak, which resulted in 14 infections and four deaths.
Ebola is a severe viral illness that’s quite rare but can be fatal. It spreads through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of individuals suffering from Ebola or those who have succumbed to the virus. Transmission can also occur via contaminated objects or surfaces.
With the outbreak officially over, the focus is now shifting from targeted Ebola surveillance to enhancing broader Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response systems. The WHO emphasized its continued collaboration with national and provincial authorities to maintain a high level of vigilance. The DRC has initiated a 90-day enhanced disease monitoring period and has a survivor care program supported by the WHO to help those recovering from Ebola.
Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill provided an update regarding the situation.
