The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is beginning to show signs of slowing, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Health officials reported that while new cases continue to be detected, the overall pace of infections has declined in recent weeks. The outbreak remains concentrated in the Bulape Health Zone in Kasai Province, where a total of 64 cases has been recorded, including 42 deaths.
WHO said vaccination efforts and heightened surveillance are helping to contain the virus. More than 4,000 people have already received doses of the Ebola vaccine under a ring vaccination strategy designed to protect contacts of confirmed cases.
The organization noted that only six of the 21 health areas in Bulape remain affected, suggesting that the spread is being localized. At the same time, authorities cautioned that smaller family clusters and possible hidden transmission chains mean vigilance must continue.
So far, nine patients have recovered, while 13 remain under treatment in designated facilities. The WHO also stressed the importance of infection control in health centres, where early on some transmission occurred.
Though the outbreak appears to be slowing, health experts warned that Ebola remains unpredictable, and a lapse in response could reignite wider transmission.
For now, the signs of decline are encouraging, but officials say the effort to fully extinguish the outbreak will require sustained surveillance, continued vaccination, and strong community cooperation.