Congo's Ebola Outbreak Nears End as Last Patient Discharged

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the last Ebola patient in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was discharged on October 21, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to contain the outbreak. This development follows a period of heightened vigilance, as no new cases have been reported since September 25, 2025. The outbreak, which was first declared on September 4 in the Bulape health district of Kasai province, has resulted in a total of 64 cases, including 53 confirmed and 11 probable infections, with 43 fatalities.

ABC NewsPBS News HourCongo nears end of Ebola outbreak after final patient discharged following six weeks of battleUsNews and World ReportCongo declares last Ebola patient recovered as outbreak nears endLast Ebola patient discharged as WHO starts countdown to end DRC outbreak

The WHO has initiated a 42-day countdown to officially declare the outbreak over, contingent upon the absence of new cases during this period. Dr. Mohamed Janabi, WHO's regional director for Africa, emphasized the rapid recovery of the last patient just six weeks after the outbreak was declared, attributing this success to strong partnerships, national expertise, and determined efforts to overcome logistical challenges. The outbreak was particularly challenging due to the remote location and poor road networks that hindered access to affected individuals.

Congo declares last Ebola patient recovered as outbreak nears end

In response to the outbreak, the Congolese Ministry of Health, supported by the WHO and other partners, implemented a comprehensive outbreak response strategy. This included the establishment of a 32-bed Ebola treatment center and the vaccination of over 35,000 individuals in the Bulape area. WHO teams were deployed to enhance surveillance, clinical care, infection prevention, and community engagement.

Last Ebola patient in Democratic Republic of the Congo dischargedLast Ebola patient discharged as WHO starts countdown to end DRC outbreakCongo nears end of Ebola outbreak after final patient discharged following six weeks of battlePBS News HourABC NewsUsNews and World Report

The WHO reiterated its commitment to remaining in the region to monitor for any potential new cases and ensure that response measures are sustained. Dr. Janabi remarked, “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.”

Last Ebola patient in Democratic Republic of the Congo discharged

While the WHO's response has been largely praised, some health experts have raised concerns about the sustainability of the measures in place, particularly in rural areas where healthcare access remains limited. The challenges posed by the region's infrastructure could complicate future outbreak responses.

Last Ebola patient in Democratic Republic of the Congo discharged

There are no significant discrepancies in the reported data regarding the outbreak, with all sources consistently noting 64 cases, 43 deaths, and 19 recoveries. However, the timeline for declaring the outbreak over is contingent on the absence of new cases, which remains a critical point of monitoring.

Last Ebola patient discharged as WHO starts countdown to end DRC outbreak

If no new cases are detected, the outbreak will be officially declared over by early December 2025. The WHO and local health authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure that any resurgence of the virus is swiftly addressed.

Last Ebola patient in Democratic Republic of the Congo discharged