Ebola crisis worsens in DR Congo as virus reaches eighth province with over 4,500 dead

The deadly Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has spread to an eighth province, with more than 4,500 people killed since the outbreak began in May.

According to The Associated Press, health authorities confirmed two cases, including one death, in Nord-Ubangi province, near the Central African Republic border.

The outbreak has recorded at least 9,400 cases and more than 4,500 deaths, making it the deadliest in Congo's history.

The World Health Organization (WHO) warned that the virus continues to spread geographically despite declining infections in some areas.

“We see pockets of Ebola generally going down, but unfortunately geographically it’s spreading out,” WHO Africa regional director Mohamed Yakub Janabi told the AP.

Ituri province remains the outbreak's epicentre, accounting for nearly three-quarters of confirmed cases.

Authorities in North Kivu plan to introduce travel restrictions from Monday, including a temporary ban on arrivals from Ituri and limits on public gatherings.

The outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo Ebola virus, which has no approved vaccine or treatment.

The virus has also reached neighbouring countries, including Kenya, while Uganda has declared itself free of Ebola.