The Democratic Republic of Congo has recorded 8,067 confirmed Ebola cases and 3,901 deaths since the outbreak was declared in May, according to the latest figures from the country’s Health Ministry.
The outbreak, which involves the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, has spread across multiple health zones, putting additional pressure on an already challenged healthcare system.
Health authorities have identified difficulties with contact tracing and the continued occurrence of deaths within communities as factors complicating efforts to contain transmission.
The situation is also creating wider regional concerns. Health workers and authorities are operating in areas affected by insecurity, difficult transport conditions and population movement, making disease surveillance and response more complicated.
The outbreak remains one of the major public-health stories in Africa as authorities continue efforts to identify cases, trace contacts and provide care.