The Democratic Republic of Congo has officially closed its 16th Ebola virus disease outbreak.
Gatekeepers News reports that this brings an end to a health emergency first declared on September 4, 2025.
By November 30, authorities had recorded 64 infections across six health zones, comprising 53 confirmed and 11 probable cases, with 45 people losing their lives. No fresh infections have appeared since the final confirmed case was reported on September 25.
According to World Health Organisation (WHO), the declaration followed the completion of two full incubation cycles, totalling 42 days, after the last confirmed patient tested negative for Ebola and was discharged on October 19, 2025.
The organisation noted that its teams, working with partners, offered technical, operational, and financial backing throughout the response.
WHO said, “This is the country’s 16th outbreak of Ebola. Although the outbreak has been declared over, health authorities are maintaining surveillance to rapidly identify and respond to any re-emergence.”
It added that communication efforts will continue within communities to ensure people receive accurate information, counter misinformation and rumours, and reduce stigma toward those affected.
Ebola virus disease, caused by Ebola virus, spreads to humans through close contact with infected wildlife and then through human-to-human transmission involving bodily fluids, organs, or contaminated materials.
Early signs typically include sudden fever and general symptoms such as abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and fatigue, which may progress to nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, or occasionally a rash
