The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Wednesday that the recent Ebola outbreak in southern Congo is showing signs of containment, with no new cases reported since October 1. As of October 5, 2025, ten consecutive days have passed without any new infections, suggesting that transmission in the affected regions may be under control. The outbreak, which was declared by Congolese authorities on September 4, marks the first Ebola incident in 18 years in the remote Kasai Province, located over 1,000 kilometers from the capital, Kinshasa. To date, the WHO has recorded 64 cases, including 53 confirmed and 11 probable, alongside 43 deaths, with 32 confirmed and 11 probable. Despite initial concerns over insufficient funding and resources, enhanced logistics and field operations, such as helicopter and ground deliveries of medical supplies and the decontamination of three health facilities, have played a crucial role in curbing the outbreak. The WHO emphasized that the decline in transmission and improved case management are the results of coordinated efforts led by the Congolese Ministry of Health, supported by the WHO and other partners. However, the agency urged continued vigilance, as nearly 2,000 contacts—individuals potentially exposed to the virus—are still under monitoring. A single oversight in tracking these contacts could reignite transmission chains, particularly in areas with high population mobility or limited community surveillance.
Ebola outbreak in southern Congo shows signs of containment with no new cases, WHO reports
