The last Ebola patient in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been successfully released from a treatment center located in Kasai province. This significant development was reported by the United Nations health agency, highlighting a positive turn in the fight against this deadly virus.
The patient marks the 19th recovery out of a total of 64 cases recorded since the outbreak was officially declared in September. In a statement released on Sunday, the World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledged this achievement as a beacon of hope amid the ongoing health crisis.
Health officials have indicated that if no new cases emerge within the next 42 days, the current outbreak will be declared officially over. Mohamed Janabi, the WHO’s director for Africa, described this recovery as a “remarkable achievement,” especially considering that the outbreak began just six weeks prior. He credited the country’s robust response and the support from WHO and various partners as pivotal to this success.
In a recent social media post, Janabi shared a video featuring health workers celebrating the release of the final patient from the treatment center in Bulape. This emotional moment underscores the collective effort and determination of medical teams in the region.
This outbreak marks the DRC's 16th Ebola outbreak, which was declared on September 4 after cases were reported in the Bulape and Mweka areas of Kasai province, located in the southwest of the country. Since then, the WHO has confirmed 53 cases and identified 11 probable cases, with patients exhibiting typical Ebola symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and hemorrhaging. Tragically, 45 individuals have succumbed to the virus during this outbreak.
The remote nature of Kasai province has posed challenges for health officials, but it may have inadvertently helped to limit the virus's spread. In response to the outbreak, the WHO deployed specialized teams and established a 32-bed treatment center in the region for the first time outside of simulation exercises. This proactive measure was crucial in managing the crisis effectively.
To combat the outbreak, over 35,000 individuals in the Bulape area have received vaccinations against Ebola. It's important to note that Ebola was first identified in 1976 following an outbreak in what is now the DRC. Without timely treatment, up to 90 percent of Ebola cases can be fatal, as reported by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The most extensive outbreak to date occurred between 2014 and 2016 in West Africa, infecting approximately 28,600 people and resulting in the deaths of 11,325 individuals, with the virus also spreading to Europe and the United States.
As we continue to monitor the situation, the successful recovery of the last patient in DRC serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts and dedication required to combat the Ebola virus and protect public health.
