Ebola disease in DRC
On 1 December 2025, the Democratic Republic of the Congo declared the outbreak of Ebola disease over
On 1 December 2025, The Democratic Republic of the Congo declared the end of an outbreak of Ebola disease (EBOD) in Kasai Province following a 42-day period (two consecutive incubation periods of the virus) without recording any new cases [1].
Since the outbreak was declared on 4 September 2025, a total of 64 cases (53 confirmed and 11 probable), including 45 deaths were reported [1, 2].
The World Health Organization (WHO) and partners provided technical, operational and financial support to the Democratic Republic of the Congo government to contain the outbreak. Surveillance to rapidly identify and respond to any re-emergence is ongoing, including a 90 day period of enhanced surveillance.
The outbreak was the country's 16th since the disease was identified in 1976 [1]. Ebola disease is caused by orthoebolaviruses. There are six species of orthoebolavirus, four of which are known to cause disease in humans [2]. The natural reservoir for the virus is believed to be fruit bats from the Pteropodidae family. Non-human primates are known to have been a source of human infection in some of the previous EBOD outbreaks [3].
Resources
References
-
World Health Organization. Democratic Republic of the Congo declares end of 16th Ebola outbreak. 1 December 2025. [Accessed 9 December 2025]
-
World Health Organization, Democratic Republic of the Congo declares Ebola virus disease outbreak in Kasai Province. 4 September 2025 [Accessed 9 December 2025]
-
UK Health Security Agency. Ebola: overview, history, origins and transmission. Updated 4 September 2025. [Accessed 9 December 2025]
Explore more
Mefloquine shortage
Shortage of 250mg mefloquine (Lariam) antimalarial tablets in the United Kingdom (UK) continues
Updated: 11 June 2026Hantavirus cruise ship outbreak
WHO and UKHSA are monitoring a hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship, with the risk to the UK public currently assessed as very low
Updated: 12 June 2026Survey study for travellers and healthcare professionals on rabies risk
Please help us to learn more about knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding rabies risk
Updated: 11 June 2026Country Information updates: Measles
NaTHNaC has reviewed the measles risk for travellers and updated TravelHealthPro country-specific information pages with new measles guidance
Updated: 26 May 2026

