In a promising sign for global health, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the final Ebola patient in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been discharged, signaling significant progress in efforts to contain the deadly virus.

The last confirmed case was reported on September 25, and with no new infections detected since, the country has now begun a 42-day countdown — twice the virus’s incubation period — before the outbreak can be officially declared over.

The recent outbreak, first identified on September 4 in the Bulape health district of Kasai province, recorded 64 cases — including 53 confirmed and 11 probable infections — according to WHO data. In total, 43 people died and 19 recovered, including the most recent survivor who was released from care over the weekend.

“The recovery of the last patient just six weeks after the outbreak was declared is a remarkable achievement,” said Dr. Mohamed Janabi, WHO’s Regional Director for Africa. “It shows how strong partnership, national expertise and determination have contributed to overcoming challenges to save and protect lives.”

This was the first Ebola outbreak in 18 years in Kasai, a region where poor road connectivity made it difficult to reach patients quickly — a major obstacle in containment efforts.

WHO teams remain on the ground, working closely with local health authorities to maintain surveillance and prevent any resurgence.

Ebola is a severe and often fatal illness spread through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated materials. While the virus has claimed thousands of lives in past outbreaks, swift detection, isolation, and coordinated response remain key to controlling its spread.

As Congo counts down the days, the world watches with cautious optimism — hopeful that another chapter in the fight against Ebola may soon be closed.