Ebola Response Gains Momentum in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo are rapidly intensifying,leading to improved detection,treatment,and preventative measures. declared on September 4th, 2025, the outbreak is currently focused in the Bulape health zone, where a complete response is underway.
Significant progress has been made in contact tracing. Just two weeks after the outbreak declaration, over 90% of individuals who have been in contact with confirmed cases are now being actively monitored – a considerable increase from the 19% tracked initially. This rigorous follow-up is crucial for identifying new cases quickly, isolating those infected, and initiating prompt treatment. Currently, 943 contacts are under surveillance in Bulape.
A 34-bed treatment center has been established in Bulape, staffed with clinical experts and equipped with necessary therapeutics. Encouragingly, two patients have already recovered and been discharged as of September 15th. Moreover, laboratory testing has been brought on-site, dramatically reducing turnaround time for results from 4-5 days to just 4-6 hours. Previously, samples had to be transported to Kinshasa for analysis.
Vaccination efforts are also progressing. As of September 16th, 523 frontline health workers and contacts have received the Ervebo vaccine, administered by six dedicated teams. An additional 45,000 doses have been approved, with an initial shipment of 2,000 doses already delivered.
Dr.Mohamed janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, emphasized the need for continued vigilance. “While we’re witnessing significant improvements in the response, we’re still in the early days of the outbreak. A persistent action is vital to consolidate these positive steps, gain ground against the virus, end its spread and protect the population.”
The world Health Institution (WHO) is collaborating closely with partners, including Médecins Sans Frontières, UNICEF, and ALIMA, to bolster all aspects of the response. Logistical challenges are being addressed through improved supply stockpiling and the establishment of an airbridge, facilitated by the World Food Program and the UN peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO), wich has reduced travel time to the affected area from days to hours.
As of September 17th, the outbreak has affected 14 localities within Bulape, with no cases reported in other health zones of Kasai Province. A total of 48 cases (38 confirmed, 10 probable) and 31 deaths have been reported.
Dr. Patrick Okumu Abok, Acting regional Emergency Director for WHO, stated the focus remains on disrupting transmission through intensified surveillance, alert management, contact tracing, active case searching, and strengthening preparedness in surrounding areas.
Genomic analysis indicates the current outbreak stems from a new zoonotic spill-over event, distinct from previous outbreaks in Kasai Province in 2007 and 2008, showing a close genetic similarity to the 1976 outbreak.
Ebola remains a severe and perhaps fatal disease, with past outbreaks exhibiting case fatality rates between 25% and 90%. Though, effective treatment and supportive care considerably improve a patient’s chances of survival when administered promptly.
Access opening remarks and a press briefing recording from September 18th, 2025
