The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the last Ebola patient in Congo’s recent outbreak was discharged over the weekend, with no new cases reported since Sept. 25.
Sunday’s update began a 42-day countdown to officially declare the outbreak over if no further cases emerge.
The outbreak, first identified on Sept. 4 in the remote Bulape health district of Kasai province, accounted for 64 cases—53 confirmed and 11 probable—and 43 deaths. Only 19 patients survived, including the latest patient discharged on Sunday.
“The recovery of the last patient just six weeks after the outbreak was declared is a remarkable achievement,” said Dr. Mohamed Janabi, WHO regional director for Africa, highlighting the role of national expertise, partnerships, and determination in saving lives.
The WHO said it would remain in the area, working with the government to maintain vigilance and respond to any potential new cases.
This marked the first Ebola outbreak in 18 years in Kasai, where poor road networks have historically made it difficult for health workers to reach patients.