The death toll from the latest Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has climbed above 500, as health authorities report continued community transmission across the country’s east.
Data released late Sunday by Congo’s Health Ministry showed 1,561 confirmed cases, including 506 deaths. Authorities said 253 people have recovered, while 628 confirmed patients remain in isolation or receiving hospital care.
The outbreak, declared on May 15, has now affected 36 health zones across Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.
The World Health Organization said last week that the Bundibugyo strain of the virus circulating in Congo continues to evolve rapidly, with sustained transmission still under way.
Ituri remains the epicentre of the outbreak, accounting for more than 91% of confirmed cases and around 84% of reported deaths, according to Congolese authorities.
As of July 1, at least 10,821 contacts had been identified and were being monitored in Ituri and North Kivu, the WHO said.
Neighbouring Uganda has also reported 20 confirmed cases, including two deaths, linked to the outbreak in Congo.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said donors and partners have pledged $910 million to support the Ebola response in Congo and Uganda.
Africa CDC Director General Jean Kaseya said the outbreak requires a rapid, coordinated and forceful response to contain the spread.