NEW DELHI: The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has crossed 8,000 confirmed cases, with the death toll reaching 3,901, according to the latest data from the country's public health institute.

As of September 26, the outbreak had recorded 8,067 confirmed cases across 63 health zones in seven provinces, with a case-fatality rate of more than 48%. The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo species of Ebola virus.

The outbreak has now become the largest and deadliest Ebola outbreak recorded in DR Congo, surpassing the country's 2018–2020 epidemic. Globally, it remains smaller than the 2014–2016 West Africa Ebola outbreak, which infected more than 28,000 people and killed over 11,000.

The World Health Organization has reported continued geographical expansion, with cases spread across seven provinces. It has warned that the high fatality rate and deaths occurring within communities indicate persistent challenges in early detection and access to timely treatment.

Health authorities and international partners are continuing surveillance, contact tracing, treatment and community-engagement efforts as they work to contain transmission.