At least 10 students have died from Ebola in Ituri Province, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), as the outbreak continues to spread, authorities said on Thursday.
The deaths were recorded more than a month after schools reopened for the new academic year, raising concerns about the spread of the disease among students.
Data released by education officials in Bunia, the provincial capital, showed that 25 students had tested positive for Ebola across several schools in the province.
Of the confirmed cases, 10 students have died, while seven others are receiving treatment, according to the figures.
A provincial education official urged school authorities to ensure the proper use of protective equipment and strict compliance with health guidelines to limit further transmission.
The World Health Organisation’s Regional Office for Africa, in a situation report released on Wednesday, said the outbreak in DR Congo was continuing to evolve, with cases and deaths increasing and the disease spreading to additional areas.
The latest outbreak has affected more than 65 health zones across eight provinces, highlighting the widening geographical spread of the disease.
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