The death toll from the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has risen to 600, according to the latest figures released by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Thursday.
The update comes just three days after the number of fatalities exceeded 500.
Data compiled by the WHO from Congolese health authorities showed that the country has recorded 1,759 confirmed Ebola cases since the outbreak was declared in mid-May, with 600 confirmed deaths.
The outbreak has also spread to neighbouring Uganda, where health officials have confirmed 20 cases, including two deaths, while 17 patients have recovered.
According to the WHO, the outbreak in the DRC currently has a case fatality rate of about 34 per cent.
Health authorities also reported that 285 patients have recovered, while 304 suspected cases are still being investigated.
Although the outbreak has affected four provinces in northeastern DRC, Ituri Province remains the epicentre of the disease.
The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, a rare variant for which there are currently no approved vaccines or licensed treatments.
To strengthen the response, health authorities on July 2 launched a clinical trial to evaluate two potential treatments. The study is assessing the effectiveness of the monoclonal antibody MBP134 and the antiviral drug remdesivir, both individually and in combination.
Ebola is a highly infectious viral disease transmitted through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected persons or contaminated materials.
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 grappled with armed conflict and insecurity.
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