DRC's 16th Ebola Outbreak Nears End with 45 Fatalities, Over 35,000 Vaccinated

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is on the verge of declaring an end to its 16th Ebola outbreak, following the recent discharge of the last known patient from hospital. Journalist Helen Branswell reported on social media, "> "The countdown to the end of DRC's most recent #Ebola outbreak has begun with the release from hospital of the last known patient." This specific outbreak in Kasai Province has recorded 64 cases, including 53 confirmed and 11 probable, resulting in 45 deaths and 19 survivors.

The outbreak, officially declared on September 4, 2025, in the Bulape health zone of Kasai Province, saw a high case-fatality rate. Of the total cases, 45 individuals succumbed to the disease, while 19 successfully recovered. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other health bodies noted encouraging signs of decline in transmission by early October, with no new cases reported since September 30.

A significant vaccination campaign was integral to containing the spread, with over 35,000 people receiving the Ebola vaccine. Helen Branswell highlighted this effort, stating, "> "+35,000 people were vaccinated in this response." This ring vaccination strategy targeted health and frontline workers, contacts, and contacts of contacts in high-risk areas, utilizing the Ervebo (VSV-EBOV) vaccine.

This marks the 16th Ebola outbreak in the DRC since the virus was first discovered in the country in 1976. International organizations, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and UNICEF, collaborated with the DRC Ministry of Public Health to provide technical support, laboratory assistance, and vaccine deployment. The remote nature of Kasai Province presented logistical challenges for responders, though it also limited the risk of wider spread.

The release of the final patient initiates a critical 42-day countdown period, during which no new cases must be reported for the outbreak to be officially declared over. The success of this response underscores the ongoing efforts to strengthen local health systems and integrate rapid outbreak management strategies. Such coordinated responses are crucial in mitigating the impact of recurrent Ebola events in the region.