The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is breathing a cautious sigh of relief as its latest Ebola outbreak, centered in the southern province of Kasai, shows promising signs of containment. After weeks of uncertainty and anxiety, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Wednesday that no new confirmed or probable cases have been reported since October 1, 2025. This ten-day stretch without any fresh infections is being hailed by health officials as a critical turning point in the fight against one of the world’s most feared diseases.
According to Reuters, as of October 5, a total of 64 Ebola cases had been documented in Kasai Province. These include 53 confirmed and 11 probable cases, with the death toll reaching 43—32 of which have been confirmed and 11 considered probable. The outbreak, first declared by Congolese authorities on September 4, marks the first time in 18 years that the remote Kasai region, located over 1,000 kilometers from the bustling capital of Kinshasa, has faced the deadly virus.
“As of 5 October 2025, ten days have passed without any newly reported cases, indicating potential control of transmission in the affected areas,” the WHO stated in its latest update. The agency’s optimism is tempered with caution, however. It emphasized that the absence of new infections is a positive step, but ongoing vigilance remains essential to ensure the outbreak is truly over. “Ongoing surveillance, contact tracing, and community engagement remain crucial to fully end the outbreak,” the organization added.
Drilling down into the details, the most recent Ebola cases were reported from the Bulape and Dikolo health areas on September 26, as noted by CAJ News. Other health zones within Bulape have gone even longer without new cases: Ingongo has been case-free for 24 days, Bulape Communautaire for 17 days, Bambalaie for 16 days, and Mpianga for 13 days as of October 10. These numbers suggest that transmission chains are being broken—an encouraging sign for both health authorities and the local communities who have endured weeks of fear and loss.
Yet, the human toll remains sobering. Among the confirmed cases, a three-week-old newborn tragically succumbed to the disease while hospitalized. In total, six patients were treated and discharged from the Ebola Treatment Centre over the past week, bringing the number of recoveries since the outbreak began in early September to 15. Still, six confirmed cases remain hospitalized and are receiving clinical care as of October 10.
The scale of the response effort has been immense. Almost 2,000 individuals—precisely 1,985 contacts—are still under close monitoring, according to the WHO. These are people who may have been exposed to Ebola through direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials, and tracking their health is vital to prevent any resurgence. The WHO has warned that “a single missed contact could reignite transmission chains, especially in areas with high population movement or limited community surveillance.”
Containment has not come easily. Earlier in the outbreak, health authorities and international partners sounded the alarm over a lack of funds and resources to mount an effective response. However, the tide began to turn thanks to improved logistics and field operations. The WHO credited the Ministry of Health and its partners for coordinated interventions that have made a tangible difference. These efforts included helicopter and ground deliveries of medical supplies and the decontamination of three health facilities—actions that have helped stem the spread of the virus in recent weeks.
“This steady decline in transmission and improved case management reflect the impact of coordinated interventions led by the Ministry of Health with support from WHO and partners,” the agency said during a news conference. The importance of rapid response and vaccination campaigns, as well as community engagement, has been underscored repeatedly throughout this crisis. The DRC has faced several Ebola outbreaks in recent years, each one a stark reminder of the need for robust health infrastructure and international solidarity.
Historically, Ebola is a highly contagious and often fatal disease, transmitted through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people or contaminated materials. Its symptoms—fever, vomiting, bleeding, and severe weakness—can develop quickly, leaving little time for intervention. The virus first emerged in the DRC (then Zaire) in 1976, and the country has since become ground zero for repeated outbreaks. Each episode has tested the resilience of local communities and the capacity of health systems to respond under pressure.
Looking ahead, there is both hope and a sense of unfinished business. If the current trend continues and no new cases are reported, the DRC will soon begin a 42-day countdown to officially declare the end of the outbreak. This period, which spans twice the maximum incubation period of the Ebola virus, is a standard measure to ensure the disease has truly been stamped out. However, this declaration will only come once all remaining patients have been discharged and no further cases emerge.
The WHO has committed to maintaining heightened monitoring in Kasai and surrounding regions over the coming weeks. The agency’s vigilance is matched by the determination of local health workers, who continue to engage communities, trace contacts, and deliver care to those in need. Community engagement has played a pivotal role, with local leaders and volunteers helping to spread accurate information, combat stigma, and encourage early reporting of symptoms.
While the world watches and waits, the people of Kasai and the broader DRC remain on alert. The scars left by Ebola—both physical and emotional—will linger long after the outbreak is declared over. But for now, the absence of new cases offers a glimmer of hope. The hope that, with continued effort and international cooperation, the DRC can turn the page on this latest chapter in its long battle against Ebola.
As the countdown to a possible declaration of victory begins, health officials, families, and communities are reminded that vigilance is the best defense. The lessons learned from this outbreak—about the importance of rapid response, community trust, and sustained investment in public health—will shape the DRC’s approach to future threats. For now, though, the country stands at a hopeful crossroads, determined to see this outbreak through to its end.