DRC Ends Ebola Outbreak in Kasai Province

The Democratic Republic of Congo declared an end to its latest Ebola outbreak on Monday, marking a significant public health victory in the southern Kasai province after 45 days without new confirmed cases. The outbreak, which began in September in the town of Bulape, resulted in 53 confirmed cases and 43 deaths, according to health officials.

Health Minister Roger Kamba announced the development in the capital, Kinshasa, emphasizing the role of frontline workers in containing the virus. "Indeed, no new confirmed cases have been recorded for 45 consecutive days," Kamba said. The outbreak spread to at least four neighboring towns, prompting a rapid response that included vaccinating more than 27,000 people across affected areas. This effort targeted high-risk groups such as contacts of infected individuals, pregnant women, children under 12, and about 4,000 healthcare personnel.

Authorities first detected the virus in late August when a 34-year-old pregnant woman sought treatment, though the official declaration came in early September. The World Health Organization reported that the response contained the outbreak within three months, a swift timeline achieved despite logistical...