Ebola outbreak in DRC has peaked, say authorities, as infection rates slow

Authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have announced that the Ebola outbreak has peaked, the first time since the epidemic was declared in May that new infection rates are falling. Health officials say the daily number of cases has dropped from about 120 to roughly 80, indicating a steady decline.

Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba emphasized the need for continued vigilance. He noted that for more than 22 days, 10 of the 62 health zones have reported no new cases, allowing six zones to be removed from the active list after 42 days without transmission and four after 21 days. The decline in new cases is viewed as a key indicator that the outbreak is under control.

The Bundibugyo variant, the 17th Ebola outbreak in the DRC, is largely confined to Ituri province, where ongoing conflict hampers response efforts. No proven treatment exists for this strain, though clinical trials are underway. The country received over 70,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine last month, and as of 14 September, confirmed cases exceeded 7,200 with more than 3,475 deaths.

MP Iracan Gratien de Saint‑Nicolas cautioned against complacency, demanding transparent data to confirm control status. He highlighted the importance of sustained declines in new cases, deaths, and active transmission zones, as well as robust contact tracing and safe burials. African CDC Director General Jean Kaseya, who visited Bunia last month, noted that containment remains insufficient and that the epidemic peaks when all cases arise from known contacts. Local residents, such as Léa Munyere, expressed relief and a desire to return to normal life after enduring the outbreak’s toll.