Last Ebola Patient Discharged in Democratic Republic of the Congo: A Milestone in Public Health
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is celebrating a significant milestone in its fight against the Ebola outbreak, as the last patient has been successfully discharged from a treatment center in Kasai province. This marks a hopeful moment in public health, with the World Health Organization (WHO) announcing that this patient is the 19th to recover out of a total of 64 confirmed cases since the outbreak was declared in September 2025.
Countdown to Recovery: 42 Days to Declare the Outbreak Over
With no new cases reported, the DRC has officially initiated a 42-day countdown to declare this outbreak over. If no additional infections are detected during this period, it will signify the end of the country’s 16th Ebola outbreak. WHO’s Director for Africa, Mohamed Janabi, praised this recovery as a "remarkable achievement," noting that the outbreak began just six weeks ago. He emphasized that the DRC’s robust response, supported by WHO and various partners, was crucial to this success.
In a heartfelt moment shared on social media, health workers celebrated the discharge of the final patient from the treatment center in Bulape, showcasing the community’s resilience and dedication to overcoming this health crisis.
Overview of the Outbreak
The current outbreak, declared on September 4, originated in the Bulape and Mweka areas of Kasai province. Since then, the WHO has reported a total of 53 confirmed and 11 probable cases, with symptoms including fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and hemorrhaging. Tragically, 45 individuals have lost their lives to the virus.
Despite the challenges presented by the remote location of Kasai province, which has made access difficult, health officials have implemented effective measures to control the spread of Ebola. The WHO established a 32-bed treatment center in the region, a first outside of simulation exercises, and more than 35,000 individuals in the Bulape area have been vaccinated.
The Historical Context of Ebola
Ebola was first identified in 1976 following an outbreak in what is now the DRC. Without treatment, the disease can be fatal in up to 90% of cases, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The largest outbreak occurred from 2014 to 2016 in West Africa, infecting approximately 28,600 people and resulting in 11,325 deaths, with cases spreading to Europe and the United States. The DRC’s most recent outbreak prior to this one occurred in 2022, involving just a single recorded case.
As the DRC moves forward, the global community watches closely, hopeful for the successful conclusion of this outbreak and a brighter future free from Ebola.
