A first patient confirmed positive for the Ebola virus has been declared cured in the Democratic Republic of Congo, announces WHO.

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Friday that a first patient infected with the Ebola virus has been declared cured and discharged from the hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The patient, who was admitted to a care center, was sent home after obtaining two negative tests.

Anais Legand, a technical expert from WHO, emphasized that this is the first reported recovery since the beginning of the epidemic, which started on May 15. As of Friday, WHO has recorded 17 confirmed deaths and 223 suspected deaths related to Ebola, out of a total of 125 confirmed cases.

The Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, responsible for the epidemic, does not have a vaccine or specific treatment, with a mortality rate of up to 50%. However, the current mortality rate appears to be 25%. WHO emphasizes the importance of early access to care to improve survival chances.