DR Congo Discharges Final Ebola Patient, Launching Countdown to End 16th Outbreak

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reached a pivotal moment in its war against Ebola. On October 19, 2025, the final patient being treated for Ebola in the Kasai province was officially discharged, marking the beginning of a 42-day countdown to declare that the outbreak is over.

This was the 16th outbreak in the country, which was initially reported on Sept. 4 in the far-flung Bulape health zone. There have since been 64 cases—53 confirmed and 11 probable—reported since, including 19 recoveries and 45 deaths. The recovery of the last patient is being celebrated as an important success, particularly considering the area's limited infrastructure and challenging terrain.

Health authorities, with the support of international partners, responded fast by deploying multidisciplinary teams as well as establishing a 32-bed Ebola treatment center with an Intensive Infectious Disease Treatment Module. This was the first application of this kind of module from the simulation environment in the region.

Immunization campaigns were also robust, and over 35,000 individuals were vaccinated in Bulape. Since September 25, there have not been any new cases, and health teams remain vigilant, conducting surveillance and response activities to make sure any re-emergence receives immediate treatment.

If there are no other cases, the outbreak will be deemed ended in mid-December 2025. The rapid containment illustrates the power of collective efforts, local expertise, and participation by the community in clearing public health crises.