The number of confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo has surpassed 7,000, with the virus spreading to a new province, government data showed.
The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, has recorded 7,022 confirmed cases and 3,398 deaths across seven provinces, making it the largest and deadliest Ebola outbreak in the country’s history.
Health officials confirmed a case in South Ubangi Province, located far from the outbreak’s epicentre in eastern Congo. The case involved a 23-year-old man who had travelled from South Kivu and later tested positive after his death.
Contact tracing and other containment measures are underway as health authorities work to prevent further spread.
The World Health Organization has warned that shortages of trained personnel, operational partners and funding are hampering the response.
