In Kasai, the fear has quieted but the virus has a long memory.
After months of relentless effort, health officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Kasai region say Ebola transmission is now contained but the warning is clear: the fight is not over.
The Ministry of Health announced that all known infection chains have been broken, the first milestone in months. Vaccination and contact-tracing teams remain active, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and local health services.
“We’re turning a corner, but we cannot mistake calm for closure,” said Dr. Ngalula Mbuyi, WHO’s regional coordinator.
For nurse Clarisse Kabeya, who has spent weeks tracing contacts across remote villages, containment is fragile.
“People are tired,” she said. “Convincing them to report symptoms again takes trust, not orders.”
The WHO says over 12,000 people have been vaccinated since July, with surveillance still concentrated around Tshikapa and Luebo. Ten known contacts remain under daily observation.
Health officials caution that Ebola can persist in survivors for months, meaning continued vigilance and community trust are key to preventing resurgence.
“Until no one fears to shake hands again, we’re still in the fight,” said Jean Ilunga, whose wife survived the virus in August.
TN Africa’s Take
Containment is progress but only vigilance can make it peace.