Ebola outbreak in southern Congo shows signs of containment with no new cases, WHO reports

DAKAR, Senegal — DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — An Ebola outbreak which has haunted the south of the Congo in recent weeks is beginning to be contained, World Health Organization This was reported on Wednesday, with no new cases recorded since the UN health agency's last update on October 1.

“As of October 5, 2025, 10 days have passed without any new cases, indicating potential control of virus transmission in affected areas,” the agency said during a press conference.

As of October 5, Congo's Kasai province had reported a total of 64 cases, including 53 confirmed and 11 probable, the agency said. WHO also reported 43 deaths, including 32 confirmed and 11 probable.

Congolese authorities announced an Ebola outbreak in the southern Congo province of Kasai on September 4. For the first time in 18 years in a remote part of the country, more than 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) from the capital Kinshasa.

Health authorities and organizations recently sounded the alarm, warning that they lack of funds and resources organize an effective response to the crisis.

The WHO said improved logistics and field operations, including helicopter and ground delivery of medical supplies, and the decontamination of three health facilities, had helped contain the outbreak over the past week.

“This sustained decline in incidence and improvement in case management reflects the impact of a coordinated response led by the Ministry of Health with support from WHO and partners,” the agency said.

WHO continues to advise caution as nearly 2,000 contacts – people who may have been exposed to the disease – are being monitored and “a single missed contact could reactivate chains of transmission, especially in areas with intense population movements or limited community surveillance.”

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