DRC authorities say Ebola outbreak has peaked as new infections slow

Officials in the Democratic Republic of the Congo report that the Ebola epidemic has reached its peak and that new infection numbers are declining for the first time since the outbreak was declared in May; nearly 3,500 people have died. Experts warn that more work is required to secure control of the disease, particularly in Bundibugyo.

Outbreak status

Authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have announced that the Ebola outbreak affecting parts of the country has reached its peak, with the number of new infections now slowing. Officials said this marks the first decline in case incidence since the epidemic was formally declared in May.

Human toll and geographic concerns

The outbreak has been deadly, with almost 3,500 confirmed deaths reported. Public health experts cautioned that, despite the overall slowdown, additional measures are needed to ensure sustained control, with particular attention called to the area of Bundibugyo.

Calls for continued vigilance

Specialists and local authorities have urged continued vigilance and a sustained response to prevent a resurgence. They emphasized that slowing transmission is an important milestone but not an endpoint, and that efforts must be maintained to consolidate gains and address remaining transmission hotspots.

Monitoring and next steps

Health services and response partners are expected to continue monitoring case trends and to focus resources where transmission persists. Authorities said they would keep assessing the situation to determine when and how the outbreak can be declared over, while experts reiterated the need for ongoing work in affected communities.