Ebola has killed 10 of 25 students confirmed infected at schools in Ituri Province, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, while seven others are receiving treatment and education officials urge schools to strengthen precautions.
The provincial education director reported the figures in Bunia on Wednesday, October 14, more than a month after the new school year began. The report did not clarify the status of the other eight students counted among the 25 cases. Officials are urging school leaders to ensure protective equipment is used properly and that health guidance is followed to reduce the risk of transmission.
The education director said authorities and partners were distributing hand sanitizer and infection-prevention supplies for students and school staff. Schools are also holding awareness sessions intended to help recovered students return to class without facing stigma or discrimination. In its latest available figures, WHO reported 9,066 confirmed cases and 4,381 confirmed deaths in the country as of October 11, with the outbreak affecting 65 health zones across seven provinces; Ituri remained the main focus.