Transmission of the Ebola virus is slowing in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s hard-hit Ituri province, offering a glimmer of hope after months of rapid spread.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported Wednesday that containment measures are working. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a Geneva news conference, “We are starting to see encouraging signs that we’re gaining ground.”
The DRC’s 17th outbreak has surpassed 7,200 total cases and 3,500 deaths since mid-May, straining regional healthcare networks and commercial market operations.
Despite local improvements, Tedros warned against complacency, noting, “Make no mistake: the epidemic continues to grow and continues to kill.”
Health authorities emphasize that sustained donor backing, secure supply routes, and forthcoming vaccine trials remain critical to halting the virus and safeguarding regional economic stability.
