Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The death toll from the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has climbed to 600, according to updated figures released by the World Health Organisation on Thursday.
The latest data, compiled from Congolese health authorities, showed that 1,759 confirmed cases have been recorded since the outbreak was declared on May 15, with 600 confirmed deaths.
The outbreak, which remains concentrated in the conflict-affected Ituri Province in northeastern DRC, has spread across four provinces, raising concerns among health officials.
WHO said the outbreak 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.
The disease has also crossed the country’s borders, with neighbouring Uganda confirming 20 cases and two deaths. Ugandan authorities said 17 infected persons have recovered.
The current outbreak is linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which no approved vaccine or licensed treatment currently exists.
In an effort to contain the disease and improve survival rates, authorities on July 2 launched a clinical trial to test two potential treatments.
The study is evaluating the effectiveness of the monoclonal antibody MBP134 and the antiviral drug remdesivir, both as standalone therapies and in combination.
Ebola is a severe viral disease spread through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected persons or contaminated materials.
The DRC declared its 17th Ebola outbreak after several deaths were reported in Ituri Province, a region that has faced years of insecurity and armed conflict.
