Congo Ebola outbreak shows signs of improvement
The Congo Ebola outbreak is showing signs of improvement in some areas, but the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the crisis is far from over.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said health teams were beginning to make progress against the disease.
“We are starting to see encouraging signs that we’re gaining ground,” he said during a news conference in Geneva.
However, Tedros cautioned against reducing efforts to contain the outbreak.
Ebola deaths surpass 3,500
The Democratic Republic of Congo declared its 17th Ebola outbreak in May 2026.
Since then, more than 7,200 cases and over 3,500 deaths have been recorded across seven provinces.
The outbreak has affected areas facing insecurity and the presence of armed groups.
These conditions have made it more difficult for health workers to reach affected communities and track new infections.
Ebola spreads through contact with infected bodily fluids. It can cause severe illness, including internal and external bleeding and organ failure.
WHO reports progress in Ituri
Ituri province remains the epicentre of the outbreak.
According to Tedros, transmission has begun to decline in the worst-affected areas of the province.
South Kivu has also recorded encouraging developments. The province has not reported any new cases since May.
Despite these developments, the WHO chief stressed that the situation remains dangerous.
“Make no mistake: the epidemic continues to grow and continues to kill,” he warned.
Treatment and vaccine trials planned
Health authorities are also increasing research and medical interventions.
Tedros said trials involving treatments and post-exposure preventive medication were gaining momentum.
He attributed the progress partly to increased engagement with local communities.
The WHO also expects vaccine trials to begin in the coming weeks.
The trials will be important because the current outbreak is linked to the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus.
Researchers are working to assess how existing vaccines and new candidates can help protect people against the strain.
Health authorities urge continued action
The latest developments have raised cautious hope among health officials.
However, the spread of the disease across several provinces remains a major concern.
Population movement and insecurity could also make containment more difficult.
For this reason, health authorities continue to stress surveillance, contact tracing and community cooperation.
The WHO’s latest assessment suggests that response efforts are beginning to show results in some areas. However, the Congo Ebola outbreak remains a serious public health emergency that requires sustained action.
