Congo Discharges Last Ebola Patient, Countdown to End of Outbreak Begins

In a significant development, the last Ebola patient in Congo’s recent outbreak has been discharged, marking a hopeful milestone in the fight against the virus. The announcement from the World Health Organization (WHO) over the weekend indicates that no new cases have been reported since September 25, 2023, triggering a 42-day countdown to officially declare the outbreak over, should no further infections occur.

Details of the Outbreak

This outbreak, which began in the remote Bulape health district of Kasai on September 4, 2023, has resulted in a total of 64 cases, comprising 53 confirmed and 11 probable infections. The WHO reported 43 deaths throughout the outbreak, with only 19 patients recovering, including the individual discharged this past Sunday.

Dr. Mohamed Janabi, the WHO regional director for Africa, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in combating the outbreak. He stated, “The recovery of the last patient just six weeks after the outbreak was declared is a remarkable achievement that shows how strong partnership, national expertise and determination have contributed to overcoming challenges to save and protect lives.”

Future Precautions and Response

The WHO remains actively engaged in the region, working closely with the Congolese government to maintain and enhance measures for detecting and responding to any potential new cases. This outbreak marks the first occurrence of Ebola in the province in 18 years, highlighting the ongoing challenges health workers face in accessing patients, particularly due to inadequate road infrastructure.

The successful discharge of the last patient offers a glimmer of hope for the local community, which has endured significant hardships during this outbreak. As the countdown to declaring the outbreak over begins, health officials are committed to ensuring that the necessary precautions are in place to prevent future infections.