19 October 2025 – Bulape, Kasai Province
A significant milestone has been reached in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) ongoing fight against Ebola. On 19 October 2025, the last Ebola patient in Bulape, Kasai Province, was discharged from the Ebola Treatment Centre, marking a hopeful turning point in the country’s latest outbreak. This recovery officially begins the 42-day countdown—twice the virus’s incubation period—before the outbreak can be formally declared over if no new cases emerge.
A Swift and Coordinated Response
Since the outbreak was declared on 4 September 2025, the DRC Ministry of Health, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and several international and local partners, has led an aggressive response to contain the spread of the virus. In total, 64 cases were recorded—53 confirmed and 11 probable—with 19 patients successfully recovering. Encouragingly, no new cases have been reported since 25 September, signaling that the outbreak is under control.
Containing Ebola in Kasai Province posed unique logistical challenges. Bulape is a remote, rural area with limited road access and inadequate health infrastructure. Yet, despite these obstacles, response teams were rapidly mobilized. WHO deployed multidisciplinary experts in surveillance, clinical management, infection prevention and control, logistics, and community engagement. This integrated approach proved vital to breaking transmission chains and supporting local healthcare workers.
Innovation in Outbreak Management
A major highlight of the response was the rapid establishment of a 32-bed Ebola Treatment Centre, equipped with a two-bed Intensive Infectious Disease Treatment Module (IIDTM). This was the first deployment of the IIDTM outside a simulation setting in Central Africa, allowing for advanced care delivery even in resource-limited environments.
Additionally, over 35,000 people were vaccinated against Ebola in Bulape and surrounding areas, dramatically reducing the risk of further spread. Community sensitization campaigns also played a key role, helping residents understand symptoms, reduce stigma, and report suspected cases promptly.
A Testament to Partnership and Preparedness
“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,” said Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa.
His statement underscores the progress that has been made since Ebola first struck the DRC more than a decade ago. Investments in public health capacity, rapid diagnostics, and vaccination campaigns have significantly improved the country’s ability to detect and respond to outbreaks swiftly.
Sustaining Vigilance as the Countdown Begins
Although the discharge of the final patient is a moment of relief and celebration, health authorities remain cautious. WHO and partners continue to monitor the situation closely, maintaining surveillance, laboratory testing, and rapid response teams in the field. Community health workers are being trained to recognize early warning signs and ensure any potential flare-ups are quickly contained.
If no new Ebola cases are detected, the DRC will officially declare the outbreak over in early December 2025—a victory that would once again demonstrate the country’s growing resilience and readiness to combat emerging infectious diseases.
Looking Ahead
Ebola remains a serious public health threat in parts of Central and West Africa. However, this latest response in Bulape illustrates that with early detection, rapid deployment of resources, and community cooperation, even remote regions can effectively stop Ebola transmission.
The DRC’s experience offers valuable lessons for the region and the world: preparedness, partnership, and perseverance remain the most powerful tools against deadly outbreaks.