The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has entered a more deadly phase, with the number of lives lost rising to 600 as health authorities continue battling the fast-spreading disease across several provinces. The latest figures released by the World Health Organization (WHO) show the outbreak is continuing to spread, adding pressure to ongoing efforts to contain the virus.
In its latest update issued on Thursday, the UN health agency said the DRC has recorded 1,759 confirmed Ebola infections since the outbreak was declared on May 15. Of those cases, 600 patients have died, placing the outbreak's case fatality rate at 34 percent.
The outbreak remains centred in the northeastern province of Ituri but has now spread to four provinces, increasing concern among health officials who are working to stop further transmission in an area already facing insecurity linked to armed groups.
According to WHO data compiled from Congolese health authorities, 285 people have recovered from the disease, while another 304 suspected infections are still being investigated.
The outbreak has also crossed into neighbouring Uganda, where health officials have confirmed 20 Ebola cases. Two people have died, while 17 patients have recovered.
Health experts say the current outbreak is being caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, which currently has no approved vaccine or treatment. The strain is less common than the Zaire species, which has caused several previous Ebola outbreaks across Central and West Africa.
As efforts to find an effective treatment continue, clinical trials involving two experimental medicines began in the DRC on July 2. Researchers are assessing the effectiveness of the monoclonal antibody MBP134 and the antiviral drug remdesivir, testing each treatment separately as well as in combination to determine how well they work against the Bundibugyo strain.
Ebola is a severe viral haemorrhagic disease that spreads through direct contact with infected body fluids or contaminated materials. Common symptoms include fever, vomiting and diarrhoea, while severe infections can lead to both internal and external bleeding.
The DRC declared its 17th Ebola outbreak on May 15 after several deaths were reported in the mineral-rich province of Ituri. Since then, Congolese health authorities, working alongside WHO and international partners, have stepped up surveillance, contact tracing and patient management in an effort to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread across borders.