The number of confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo has passed 8,000 for the first time, with the latest situation report recording 8,067 confirmed cases and 3,901 deaths.

The case fatality rate stands at 48.4%. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, is already the largest and deadliest in Congo’s history after surpassing the 2018-2020 epidemic. It is second only to the 2014-2016 West African outbreak.

Thousands of displaced people have fled the Kigonze displacement camp in Bunia, Ituri province, after soldiers entered the site searching for weapons and suspected armed-group members. Security incidents have been reported since September 20.

The UN aid office OCHA said the camp’s nearly 19,000 residents have faced armed violence, threats, arrests, forced displacement and destruction of shelters. UN Humanitarian Coordinator Damien Mama said families were seeking refuge with host families.

The UN fears the exodus could hamper disease surveillance, particularly contact tracing, as Kigonze is covered by the ongoing Ebola response. More than 1.1 million people are displaced across Ituri province.