Fatalities from Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo exceed 600, according to World Health Organization figures

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The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has claimed 600 lives.

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This is according to updated figures released by the World Health Organisation on Thursday.

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This came just three days after the death toll surpassed 500.

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The latest data, compiled by the WHO from Congolese health authorities, shows that the country has recorded 1,759 confirmed Ebola cases since the outbreak was declared in mid-May, including 600 confirmed deaths.

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The outbreak has also spread beyond the DRC, with neighbouring Uganda reporting two deaths. Ugandan health authorities have confirmed 20 cases, of which 17 patients have recovered.

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The WHO said the outbreak in the DRC currently has a case fatality rate of about 34 per cent.

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Health officials also reported that 285 patients have recovered, while 304 suspected cases remain under investigation.

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Although the outbreak has affected four provinces in northeastern DRC, the epicentre remains Ituri Province.

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The current outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there are no approved vaccines or licensed treatments.

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In response, authorities launched a clinical trial on July 2 to evaluate two potential therapies.

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The study is assessing the effectiveness of the monoclonal antibody MBP134 and the antiviral drug remdesivir, both individually and in combination.

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Ebola is a highly infectious viral disease transmitted through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected persons or contaminated materials.

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The DRC declared its 17th Ebola outbreak on May 15 after several deaths were reported in the mineral-rich Ituri Province, a region that has long been affected by armed conflict and insecurity.

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