Four health workers recover from Ebola in DR Congo, WHO confirms

Africa, Health

BUNIA, DRC (NPA) — The World Health Organisation (African Region) has announced the recovery of four nurses who were being treated for Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus in Bunia, the capital of Ituri Province. The health workers, who had been caring for patients earlier in May, were discharged on 31 May 2026 after successful treatment.

This brings the total number of recoveries to five, following the earlier discharge of a laboratory worker on 28 May. WHO officials say more recoveries are expected as outbreak response intensifies and patients access care early.

“This is a victory worth celebrating. It’s a strong message that it is possible to recover from Ebola when seeking care early in a dedicated health facility,” said Dr Dieudonne Mwamba Kazadi, Director-General of the National Institute of Public Health.

To strengthen clinical care, WHO has handed over a refurbished Ebola Treatment Centre in Bunia, with an initial capacity of 24 beds, expandable to 60. An annex with 42 beds is also being prepared.

As of 31 May, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported 210 confirmed cases, 17 deaths, and 349 suspected cases under investigation. Sixteen health workers have been infected during this outbreak.

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, visiting Bunia on 30 May, stressed that while there is currently no licensed vaccine or treatment for Bundibugyo virus, survival is possible with good medical care. He noted that several candidate treatments and vaccines are promising enough to warrant prioritisation for clinical trials, with WHO working closely with DR Congo and Uganda to facilitate evaluations.

Since the outbreak was declared on 15 May, response measures have included laboratory testing, surveillance, infection prevention and control, community engagement, and resource mobilisation. WHO pledged that essential health services and humanitarian assistance will continue across Ituri and beyond, ensuring long-term benefits for affected communities.