The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has recorded more than 7,000 cases of Ebola in its latest outbreak, with 3,398 deaths reported since the epidemic began in May.
Figures released by Congolese authorities showed that 7,022 cases had been recorded, while 1,671 people had recovered from the disease.
The government, however, said the spread of the virus may have peaked, despite Ebola being confirmed in a seventh province earlier in the week.
Government spokesman, Patrick Muyaya, said the peak was reached in the third week of August, and that indicators showed a decline in new infections.
Muyaya said 10 of the 61 health zones affected by the outbreak had recorded no new cases for at least 21 days.
READ ALSO: WHO Calls For Urgent Ebola Response In DRC
The outbreak began in Ituri Province in northeastern DRC before spreading to other remote and conflict-affected areas, where weak state presence and limited health infrastructure have complicated efforts to contain the disease.
Ebola was also confirmed earlier this week in South-Ubangi Province, which borders the Central African Republic and the Republic of Congo.
Most of the reported cases are in Ituri, where the detection of Ebola among schoolchildren following the return to school has raised concerns among parents and health workers.
Preventive Measures
Health authorities and school officials have introduced preventive measures, including mandatory hand washing with soap and limiting classroom numbers to 30 pupils.
School officials have also urged pupils to avoid physical contact and maintain regular hand hygiene.
Ebola is transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids and can cause severe illness and death.
The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment, although several vaccines and treatments are being tested.
Africanews
