KINSHASA — The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has killed more than 4,000 people, according to the latest government figures.
Health authorities reported 4,018 deaths and about 8,300 confirmed cases across seven provinces.
The outbreak began in Ituri province but has continued to spread into other parts of the country, including North Kivu.
More than 2,000 people have reportedly recovered.
However, health authorities are facing serious challenges, including insecurity, delayed payments to health workers and resistance in some communities.
A treatment and transit centre in Bunia was also burned down, further complicating efforts to contain the outbreak.
Health Watch
Mobile laboratories are helping health officials reduce the time needed to receive test results. In some locations, testing time has reportedly fallen from about 72 hours to six hours.
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The outbreak is now one of the biggest public-health emergencies facing Africa, with health authorities battling both the virus and problems surrounding security, funding and public trust.
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