The World Health Organization (WHO) says safe and dignified burials remain critical to containing the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, is affecting Ituri Province in the northeast of the country.
WHO says Ebola can spread through contact with infected bodily fluids, including those of people who have died from the disease, making unsafe burial practices a major risk for further transmission.
As of September, more than 11,573 alerts had been recorded in Ituri, while 10,357 safe and dignified burialshad been conducted.
WHO says involving community members in burial teams has helped reduce resistance and improve cooperation with health authorities.
The agency says continued surveillance, safe burials, infection prevention and community engagement remain essential to controlling the outbreak.
