Medical staff at the Mongbwalu Ebola treatment center in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) recently celebrated the discharge of the last Ebola patients. The center, which is run by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), or Doctors Without Borders, reported that the patients were discharged after recovering from the disease. This marks a significant milestone in the fight against the outbreak, which began in May 2026. The discharged patients were among those being treated at the center.
According to Dr. Richard Lokudo, the head of the Mongbwalu hospital, the center had been without a new confirmed Ebola patient for seven days prior to the discharge. Although people suspected of having the disease continued to be admitted for testing, all laboratory results came back negative. However, health officials noted that people who had come into contact with confirmed Ebola patients were still being monitored, as the outbreak continues to affect other areas of the DRC.
The Ebola outbreak in the DRC has been caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment available. As of October 28, 2026, the outbreak had infected over 10,000 people, resulting in nearly 5,000 deaths, while more than 2,600 people had recovered. The response to the outbreak has been hindered by security concerns, logistical challenges, and limited resources.
The medical staff at the Mongbwalu center were seen celebrating the discharge of the last patients, wearing personal protective equipment, singing, and dancing. The scene was one of joy and relief, as the staff had worked tirelessly to care for the patients and prevent the spread of the disease. The center's staff and other health workers on the other side of the facility's partition joined in the celebration.
The DRC has been experiencing its worst Ebola outbreak in history, with the current outbreak declared in May 2026. The outbreak has affected several provinces, including Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other international partners have been supporting the DRC government's response efforts, including providing medical supplies, technical assistance, and financial support.
Despite the progress made in containing the outbreak, health officials have warned that the situation remains fragile and that continued vigilance is needed to prevent a resurgence of the disease. The DRC government and its partners are working to strengthen the country's health system and improve its ability to respond to public health emergencies.
The fight against Ebola in the DRC is ongoing, with health workers and partners working to ensure that the disease is brought under control. The discharge of the last patients from the Mongbwalu center is a positive step towards this goal, and efforts will continue to prevent further spread of the disease and support those affected.
Key points
- The last Ebola patients at the Mongbwalu treatment center in the DRC have been discharged, marking a significant milestone in the fight against the outbreak.
- The Ebola outbreak in the DRC has infected over 10,000 people and resulted in nearly 5,000 deaths.
- There is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment available for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola.
