The Bundibugyo strain has spread to eight provinces in DR Congo as insecurity hampers containment efforts

The number of confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) has surpassed 11,042 since the outbreak began in May, according to the country’s health authorities.

In its latest situation report, published on Tuesday, the Health Ministry said the country had registered 5,387 deaths, putting the fatality rate at 48.8%.

The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, has now affected eight provinces and 67 health zones. Ituri remains the epicenter, accounting for nearly 70% of all confirmed infections, followed by North Kivu, where the fatality rate has reached 55%, above the national average.

However, efforts to contain the outbreak continue to face significant challenges.…