Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have reported a sharp rise in Ebola infections, with confirmed cases reaching 3,200.
According to officials, nearly 90 per cent of the infections have been recorded in Ituri Province, the worst-hit area in the country. The latest figures show that 1,405 people have died from the disease, while more than 1,000 new cases have been confirmed over the past 10 days.
The United Nations says the outbreak has now spread to five provinces, including two that have recently recorded Ebola cases for the first time during the current outbreak.
Congolese health authorities say “improved surveillance and expanded testing have led to the detection of more cases,” as efforts to contain the virus continue.
Ebola spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person and causes severe fever that can progress to internal and external bleeding.
Health experts say the disease has claimed more than 15,000 lives across Africa over the past five decades, underscoring the need for continued surveillance, rapid response and public awareness to prevent further spread.
