Ebola outbreak in Congo reaches an eighth province

Congo’s Ebola outbreak has spread to Nord-Ubangi, the country’s eighth affected province, authorities said Sunday. The Health Ministry recorded two cases, including one death, among men in their 20s living in the Wapinda health zone, which borders Bas-Uele.

Authorities have recorded at least 9,400 cases, including over 4,500 deaths, since the outbreak was declared in mid-May. The government’s most recent data says 66 health zones have been affected, with Ituri accounting for almost three quarters of confirmed cases.

Congo’s state news agency ACP reported that North Kivu authorities will impose a one-week ban from Monday on people entering from Ituri. Other measures include prohibiting more than two people on a motorcycle or four in a car, and suspending large public gatherings.