Ofure Akhigbe
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reached a major milestone in its fight against Ebola, as the last patient receiving treatment since the outbreak began in early September was discharged from hospital on Sunday October 19, 2025.
The patient’s recovery marks the start of a 42-day countdown to officially declaring the outbreak over—provided no new cases are confirmed during this period. If the current trend continues, the outbreak could be declared over by early December 2025.
According to the Ministry of Health, 19 people have recovered from the disease, and no new cases have been reported since September 25. In total, there have been 53 confirmed and 11 suspected infections.
The outbreak occurred in Bulape Health District, Kasaï Province, a remote area with limited infrastructure. In response, the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) established a 32-bed treatment centre in record time. Approximately 35,000 people in Bulape have been vaccinated against the virus.
WHO and its partners remain on the ground, working closely with the government to maintain surveillance and rapid response measures as the country awaits the official end of the outbreak.
Ebola, a rare but severe viral disease in humans, was first identified near the Ebola River in the DRC, from which it takes its name.