SUMMARY

• DRC Health Minister Roger Samuel Kamba said the Ebola outbreak had passed its peak.
• WHO says transmission has declined in some areas but remains elevated across the country.
• The outbreak has reached 63 health zones across seven provinces.

DRC: The Democratic Republic of Congo’s health minister said the country’s Ebola outbreak had passed its peak, as health teams continue efforts to control transmission.

Health Minister Roger Samuel Kamba made the comments during a press briefing in Bunia on Friday.

“You have seen the curves; the peak is truly behind us,” Kamba said, adding that authorities were now anticipating the spread rather than simply tracking it.

Response Gains Ground

Kamba highlighted South Ubangi as an example of how quickly health teams can respond to new cases.

He said teams reached the area within two days of being notified, bringing vaccines, treatment and preventive measures for people who had been in contact with patients.

The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus and was declared in May. It is the DRC’s 17th recorded Ebola outbreak.

WHO reported on September 30 that the outbreak had affected seven provinces and 63 health zones. It said surveillance, rapid detection and contact monitoring remain key to breaking chains of transmission.

Health teams step up surveillance, treatment and vaccination efforts.

Outbreak Remains Serious

WHO’s latest detailed update said the number of new cases had declined after a peak in Ituri in mid-August. However, transmission remained elevated, while North Kivu experienced a rise in cases before reporting a decline in recent days.

As of September 23, WHO reported 7,890 confirmed cases and 3,799 deaths in the DRC. The outbreak had also expanded into Sud Ubangi and Haut-Uélé, increasing concerns about cross-border spread.

There is currently no licensed vaccine specifically for Bundibugyo virus disease. The Ervebo Ebola vaccine is being used under research protocols while experts continue assessing whether it protects against the Bundibugyo strain.

Health authorities and partners are continuing surveillance, treatment, infection prevention and community engagement efforts to contain the outbreak.

Article by Viory