The Democratic Republic of Congo's latest Ebola outbreak has claimed more than 100 lives, with health authorities warning that armed conflict and attacks on aid workers are hindering efforts to contain the disease.
In its latest situation report, released on Monday (8 June), the government said confirmed Ebola deaths had risen to 101, while confirmed cases reached 550. The figures included 35 new cases and 10 deaths recorded in the previous 24 hours.
The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola and was officially declared a global health emergency on 15 May.
However, officials have since acknowledged that the virus had likely been spreading undetected for weeks before it was identified, leaving health teams struggling to catch up.
The outbreak is affecting three provinces in eastern Congo that have long been troubled by armed conflict: Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu.
Most cases have been reported in Ituri, where infections have now been recorded in 17 health zones. Seven health zones in North Kivu and one in South Kivu have also reported cases.
Health officials say insecurity remains one of the biggest obstacles to controlling the outbreak.
The government said the presence of armed groups in the Ituri territories of Djugu, Irumu and Mambasa continues "to limit humanitarian access in multiple health zones affected or at risk."
Mistrust of authorities and resistance to health measures have further complicated the response.
There have been reports of attacks on treatment centres and burial teams working to contain the virus. The latest incident took place on Sunday at Nyamurongo Cemetery in Bunia, according to a source familiar with the government's response efforts.
The source said a burial team was attacked, leaving two people seriously injured and damaging two vehicles.
Despite the security concerns, the government said Bunia, the capital of Ituri Province, remained relatively calm.
Earlier on Monday, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reported 544 confirmed Ebola cases and 88 deaths in Congo, figures slightly lower than those later released by the government.
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Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 8 June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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