The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has officially declared an end to its latest Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak after going 42 consecutive days without detecting a new infection.
The outbreak, announced on September 4, 2025, recorded 64 cases in total—53 confirmed and 11 classified as probable. Forty-five deaths were reported across six affected health areas.
Health officials said the last confirmed case was reported on September 25, and no new infections have emerged since then.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the declaration followed two full Ebola incubation cycles with zero cases after the last patient tested negative and was discharged on October 19.
WHO said it supported the DRC government with technical expertise, operational guidance and financial resources throughout the response.
The agency noted that this marks the country’s 16th Ebola outbreak. It also warned that vigilance must continue, as the virus can re-emerge.
“Risk communication and community engagement activities will continue to provide accurate information, monitor community feedback, address rumours and reduce stigma toward individuals affected by the outbreak,” the organisation said.
Ebola is a severe, often fatal illness transmitted from infected wildlife and spread through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated surfaces.
Symptoms usually begin with fever, abdominal pain, fatigue and loss of appetite, followed by vomiting, diarrhoea and sometimes rash.
Severe cases may progress to bleeding, shock, multi-organ failure or encephalopathy.
Pregnant women face a high risk of spontaneous abortion.
Case fatality rates in previous outbreaks have ranged between 25 and 90 per cent.