The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the last Ebola patient in the recent outbreak in Congo was discharged over the weekend, marking a significant milestone in the fight against the virus. This patient’s recovery, along with the absence of new cases since September 25, has initiated a 42-day countdown to officially declare the outbreak over, should no further infections arise.
The outbreak was first reported in the remote Bulape health district of Kasai on September 4. It has resulted in a total of 64 cases, which include 53 confirmed and 11 probable instances. Tragically, the outbreak has claimed the lives of 43 individuals, while only 19 patients have successfully recovered, among them the patient discharged on Sunday.
Dr. Mohamed Janabi, the WHO regional director for Africa, emphasized the significance of this achievement. “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,” he stated.
Despite the positive news, the WHO remains vigilant. The organization continues to work closely with the Congolese government to maintain effective measures for detecting and responding to any potential new cases. This outbreak marks the first occurrence of Ebola in the Kasai province in 18 years, a region where health workers faced significant challenges in reaching patients due to poor infrastructure and road networks.
The WHO’s ongoing presence in the area aims to ensure that the healthcare system is prepared to respond swiftly in the event of any resurgence of the virus. As the countdown progresses, health officials and communities in Kasai hold their breath, hoping that the worst is truly behind them.
