Congo Ebola outbreak passes 9,000 confirmed cases as containment falters

Congo's Ebola outbreak has passed 9,000 confirmed cases as health authorities struggle to contain it across seven provinces, according to government figures reported Tuesday. The Health Ministry reported 9,066 confirmed cases and 4,381 deaths. Its latest report recorded 88 new cases and said community transmission remains a concern.

The outbreak has affected 65 health zones. Officials say confirmed cases account for only a third of all cases, with many going undetected. The reports say fighting, population movements, disregard for health precautions and shortages of medical supplies and treatment centers are hindering containment. The outbreak involves Bundibugyo virus, for which no vaccine or treatment is approved. Uganda and Kenya have reported Ebola cases imported from Congo.