WHO chief announces end of most recent Ebola outbreak in Congo

GENEVA

The World Health Organization (WHO) chief on Monday announced the end of the most recent Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, calling it "good news."

Congratulating the government and people of the country, especially in the affected community of Bulape, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a press briefing in Geneva that the outbreak, declared in September, recorded 64 confirmed and probable cases, including 45 deaths.

"We honor the memory of those who died, especially those who lost their lives while serving others," Tedros said.

He added that the WHO is "proud to have played our part in bringing this outbreak under control," working alongside the Health Ministry, national institutions, and partners.

Reflecting on global progress, the WHO chief noted that a decade ago "there were no approved vaccines or therapeutics" against Ebola, while today the disease is "a preventable and treatable disease that can be stopped."

He, however, warned that another deadly virus is now spreading in the region. "Although Ebola has been stopped in DRC, an outbreak of Marburg virus disease was declared in Ethiopia over two weeks ago,” he said.

So far, Ethiopia has reported 12 confirmed cases, including eight related deaths, according to the WHO. Three patients have recovered while one remains under treatment. Tedros said the Ethiopian government is leading the response and that WHO is supporting as requested.

The UN health agency, he said, is providing testing supplies, protective equipment for health workers and deploying experts to assist local authorities as they work to contain the outbreak.