Ebola Outbreak Reports 67% Fatality Rate

The World Health Organization (WHO) has today published External Situation Report No. 04 regarding the 16th Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

As of October 5, 2025, ten days have passed without any newly reported Ebola Zaire cases, indicating potential control of transmission in the affected areas.

The most recent cases were reported from Bulape and Dikolo Health Areas on September 26, 2025, while other previously affected health areas within Bulape Health Zone have not reported new cases for more than one to three weeks. These include Ingongo (24 days), Bulape Communautaire (17 days), Bambalaie (16 days), and Mpianga (13 days).

The epicenters of the outbreak have been in Dikolo (26 cases, 15 deaths) and Bulape (24 cases, 20 deaths), which together account for 78.1% of the total cases reported and 81.4% of all deaths.

Cumulatively, through October 8, 2025, 64 cases, including 43 related fatalities, have been reported in the DRC since the onset of the outbreak.

The unofficial case fatality ratio is 67.2%.

According to the U.S. CDC's recent Level 1 Travel Health Notice, while not commercially available, an FDA-approved vaccine is available for the prevention of Ebola virus (species Orthoebolavirus zairense). It is currently available to select individuals in specific occupations (e.g., outbreak responders).

The CDC recommends contacting your healthcare provider to discuss eligibility and access to the Ervebo vaccine.