Ebola Outbreak Could Be Declared Over in December 2025

The last Ebola Zaire patient in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) was recently discharged, marking a milestone in the efforts to end the this African country's 16th outbreak.

If no new cases are detected, this Ebola outbreak will be declared over in early December 2025.

In total, 64 cases (53 confirmed and 11 probable) have been reported since the outbreak was declared in Bulape health zone, in Kasai Province.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), despite the challenges of distance, poor roads, and limited infrastructure, the Ministry of Health, with strong support from partners, acted swiftly to scale up outbreak response measures.  

For example, more than 35,000 people have been vaccinated against Ebola in Bulape.

"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," said Dr. Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, in a press release on October 19, 2025.

In mid-September, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued Health Alert Network Health Advisory CDCHAN-00524 stating that the risk of Ebola spread to the United States is currently considered low.

The CDC says the ERVEBO® vaccine is approved for preventing the Ebola Zaire virus disease. However, it should only be given to people who meet specific criteria, such as visiting an outbreak zone.

Additionally, two approved treatments treat Ebola virus infection: Inmazeb™ and Ebanga™.