Kasai Province, DR Congo: The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported early signs that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is beginning to slow, even as health officials caution against complacency.
The outbreak, which has been concentrated in the Bulape Health Zone of Kasai Province, has so far recorded 64 cases, including 42 deaths. WHO said that while new cases continue to emerge, the pace of infections has declined in recent weeks, raising cautious optimism about the trajectory of the epidemic.
Officials attribute the slowdown to ring vaccination efforts and heightened surveillance, with more than 4,000 people already vaccinated, mainly targeting contacts of confirmed patients. “The fact that only six of the 21 health areas in Bulape remain affected suggests the virus is being localized,” a WHO statement noted.
At present, nine patients have recovered and been discharged, while 13 remain under treatment at designated Ebola care facilities. However, the health agency warned that hidden chains of transmission within families and communities remain a threat.
Health experts also emphasized the importance of strict infection prevention measures in health centres, following early reports of transmission in medical facilities.
Despite the encouraging signs, WHO has urged Congolese authorities and international partners to maintain full vigilance. “Ebola is unpredictable. A lapse in response could reignite wider transmission,” the agency cautioned.
For now, the combination of community cooperation, vaccination, and surveillance is giving responders hope that the outbreak can be fully contained.
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