Healthcare workers at a Doctors Without Borders-run centre in Mongbwalu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, recently celebrated the recovery of the last Ebola patient. The patient, a woman, was discharged after recovering from the disease, marking a significant milestone in the response to the outbreak. Footage from the centre shows the patient dancing as she walks out, surrounded by healthcare workers celebrating her recovery.
The celebration took place at the Doctors Without Borders Ebola treatment centre in Mongbwalu, Ituri Province, where the latest outbreak was first identified. Healthcare workers in green medical uniforms and boots joined the celebration, with some wearing protective head coverings. Those inside the treatment area wear full protective equipment, including yellow suits, white protective coverings, face shields or goggles, masks, gloves and boots.
The departure of the final patient from the facility marks a significant milestone for the healthcare teams who have been treating patients and working to contain the outbreak. However, the discharge of the last patient from one treatment centre does not by itself mean the wider outbreak has ended. Health authorities must continue surveillance and other response measures to detect any further cases.
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was confirmed in May 2026, after health authorities investigated clusters of severe illness and deaths in Mongbwalu and Rwampara health zones in Ituri Province. The World Health Organisation confirmed that the outbreak was caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a species of Ebola. This was the country's 17th Ebola outbreak.
The outbreak initially affected Mongbwalu, Rwampara and Bunia health zones before spreading to other parts of the country. By August, the WHO reported that transmission had expanded to 54 health zones across six provinces, making it the largest Ebola outbreak reported in the country at that time. The outbreak posed significant challenges for health authorities due to population movement, insecurity and difficulties reaching some affected communities.
The Bundibugyo virus is particularly challenging because there is no licensed vaccine or specific treatment for the strain, although early supportive care can improve a patient's chances of survival. Healthcare workers broke into songs and dance as the last Ebola patient at the treatment centre recovered and left the facility. Footage shows workers waving their hands and dancing to music, accompanied by percussion instruments, including drums.
The celebration was a moment of joy for the healthcare workers who have been working tirelessly to contain the outbreak. The patient was seen dancing as she walked out of the centre, surrounded by healthcare workers in civilian clothing and protective gear. A person was also seen recording the moment on a mobile phone as the celebrations unfolded across the partition.
Key points
- The last Ebola patient at a Doctors Without Borders-run centre in Mongbwalu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, has recovered and been discharged.
- The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, was confirmed in May 2026 and has affected 54 health zones across six provinces.
- Healthcare workers celebrated the patient's recovery with songs and dance, marking a significant milestone in the response to the outbreak.
