DR Congo Declares End Of Ebola Outbreak After 42 Days Without Cases

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has officially declared an end to the Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak that was first announced on September 4, 2025. As of November 30, the country had recorded 64 cases, 53 confirmed and 11 probable, with 45 deaths reported across six health areas.

Health authorities confirmed that no new cases have been detected since the last confirmed infection was reported on September 25.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the declaration comes after two full incubation periods, 42 days passed without any new infections, following the discharge of the last confirmed patient who tested negative on October 19, 2025.

WHO said it provided technical, operational and financial support to help the DRC government contain the outbreak. It noted that this marks the country’s 16th Ebola outbreak, adding that surveillance efforts will continue to ensure rapid detection in the event of a re-emergence.

“Risk communication and community engagement activities will continue to provide accurate information, monitor and address community feedback and rumours, and support efforts to reduce stigma toward individuals affected by the outbreak,” the organisation stated.

Ebola virus disease is a severe and often fatal illness caused by the Ebola virus, transmitted through contact with infected wildlife and spread between humans through direct contact with bodily fluids, organs or contaminated surfaces. Symptoms typically begin with fever, abdominal pain, fatigue and anorexia, followed by nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in some cases, rash.

Severe cases may involve bleeding, shock, multi-organ failure or encephalopathy, while infected pregnant women face a high risk of spontaneous abortion. Previous outbreaks have recorded case fatality rates ranging from 25 to 90 per cent.