Ebola Outbreak Spreads to Eastern Congo Province Held by M23 Militia

An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has spread to eastern South Kivu province in an area under the control of the Rwanda-backed M23 militia. The group's spokesman said Thursday that the highly contagious haemorrhagic fever has reached the militia-held territory, heightening fears of the disease's growing reach.

The World Health Organization has declared the latest outbreak an international emergency. Efforts to contain the virus have been hampered by the DRC's long-running conflicts. The rapid spread has triggered fresh Ebola fears among residents and health workers on the ground.

Health teams face access difficulties in the militia-controlled zone. The combination of armed conflict and the contagious nature of the virus has slowed containment measures. Local authorities and international organizations continue to monitor the situation closely.