Statement from CDC Regarding Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Declaration on Official End of Ninth Ebola Outbreak

The U.S. Centers for Disease control and Prevention (CDC) commends the dedicated efforts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Ministry of Public Health and partners to end the ninth reported outbreak of Ebola in that country since 1976. This good news reinforces the importance of having efficient surveillance systems in place and strong leadership to stop outbreaks at their source and save lives.

The DRC announcement, which was echoed by the World Health Organization, officially declares an end to the outbreak that began on May 8 in Bikoro Health Zone, Equateur Province, in Northwest DRC and resulted in 54 cases (38 cases laboratory confirmed and 16 deemed probable) and 33 deaths.

Working with international partners, CDC experts provided technical guidance on a range of crucial activities, including epidemiologic investigation, surveillance, infection prevention and control, border health screening, logistics and supplies, risk communication, and community engagement. CDC also assisted with vaccine implementation through a control effort that demonstrated the potential of an investigational vaccine, rVSV-ZEBOV, to prevent outbreak spread.

CDC has had a presence in DRC since 2002 and that long-term relationship, forged in science and nurtured in trust, has been instrumental in the fight against Ebola and other disease threats to people’s health and well-being.  By working collaboratively, DRC’s Ministry of Public Health has made significant progress in building capacity in disease detection and response. We must remain vigilant and continue efforts to tackle other outbreaks the country is facing, such as cholera and polio, and to strengthen health services across the country.

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES