At least 10 students have been killed by Ebola virus disease in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ituri province, authorities said Thursday.

This comes more than a month after schools reopened for a new academic year amid the ongoing outbreak. Data released by education officials in the provincial capital of Bunia showed that the dead are among 25 confirmed cases of Ebola, which have been recorded among students in several schools in the province. Ten of the infected students have died while seven are undergoing treatment at specialized Ebola centers in the region, figures showed.

Provincial education officer Yvon Muke urged schools to strengthen prevention measures to limit the spread of the virus within schools. Muke said the government, with support from international partners, is intensifying efforts to fight the epidemic in schools by distributing disinfectants and protective materials for students and staff. The official urged schools to ensure their correct use and compliance with health instructions to reduce the risk of disease transmission.

The World Health Organization Africa region bureau, in a situation report Wednesday, said the outbreak in Congo continues to evolve, expanding geographically and in terms of infections and fatality. The latest epidemic has affected 65 health zones in seven provinces -- Haut-Uele, Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Bas-Uele, Tshopo and South-Ubangi. Ituri remains the principal focus of the outbreak, while substantial transmission persists in North Kivu and Haut-Uele.

The number of confirmed cases in Congo has reached 9,144, including 4,410 deaths since the outbreak declaration in May, according to the Health Ministry update.