The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been declared over after 42 days without any new cases and following the recovery of the last confirmed patient.
“This success is the result of exceptional determination and exemplary coordination,” said Dr. Jean Kaseya, director general of the Africa Centres for Disease Prevention and Control (Africa CDC).
He praised the DRC government, Health Minister Dr. Roger Kamba, the country’s National Institute of Public Health, field teams, technical and financial partners, and local communities “whose courage continues to inspire our continent.”
The outbreak, the 16th recorded in the DRC, was centered in Kasai Province and was declared on Sept. 4, 2025. It began with a 34-year-old pregnant woman who was admitted with high fever and repeated vomiting. Laboratory tests confirmed the Zaire strain of Ebola.
At the time of the outbreak declaration, 15 deaths and 28 suspected cases were reported across Bulape and Mweka health zones, including four health care workers.
Since then, the DRC has reported 53 confirmed cases, 11 probable cases and 34 deaths among confirmed patients. The country’s National Institute of Public Health estimates the likely total deaths at 45.
All confirmed cases were from the Bulape Health Zone. The last patient was discharged from a treatment center on Oct. 19, 2025, starting the 42-day countdown to declare the outbreak over.
Authorities credited intense surveillance, community engagement, vaccination, and preparedness efforts for preventing new cases. The Ministry of Health, in partnership with Africa CDC and other organizations, continues to monitor the situation closely and urges communities to remain vigilant.
Vaccination played a key role. More than 48,000 vaccines were deployed, with over 44,400 people vaccinated, including frontline health workers and high-risk contacts.
Dr. Kaseya emphasized the importance of learning from every outbreak, saying managing an epidemic does not end when it is declared over. “It is at that moment that the most decisive work begins,” he said.
He added: “Every outbreak must be rigorously documented — what worked, what failed, what shifted the trajectory, and what needs improvement. These analyses strengthen alert systems, reinforce laboratories, optimize coordination, mobilize communities and guide risk communication. They also reveal the true impact on families, economies and social cohesion. For this work, Africa CDC will stand with you.”
Dr. Kaseya also announced the allocation of $1 million to support the Africa CDC’s Science and Innovation Division in conducting comprehensive post-epidemic studies in collaboration with the DRC Ministry of Health, the National Institute of Public Health, the World Health Organization and other partners, starting next week.
