KAMPALA, UGANDA | The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) could officially declare the end of its latest Ebola outbreak by early December provided no new cases are detected in the coming weeks.
According to a statement from the WHO Regional Office for Africa, the milestone follows the discharge of the last Ebola patient after full recovery, marking the beginning of a crucial 42-day countdown before the outbreak can be declared over.
Since the outbreak was confirmed on September 4 in Bulape, Kasai Province, the DRC has recorded 64 cases 53 confirmed and 11 probable with 19 recoveries and no new infections reported since September 25.
Dr. Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, commended the country’s swift response and resilience. “The recovery of the last patient, only six weeks after the outbreak was declared, is a remarkable achievement. It underscores the strength of national expertise and global collaboration in safeguarding lives,” he said.
The DRC last declared an end to an Ebola outbreak in September 2022, in the eastern province of North Kivu.
Ebola is a severe and often fatal viral hemorrhagic fever characterized by symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain, and internal or external bleeding. The WHO continues to work with the DRC’s Ministry of Health and partners to strengthen surveillance and prevent re-emergence of the disease.