The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has claimed 600 lives.
This is according to updated figures released by the World Health Organisation on Thursday.
This came just three days after the death toll surpassed 500.
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.
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.
The WHO said the outbreak in the DRC currently has a case fatality rate of about 34 per cent.
Health officials also reported that 285 patients have recovered, while 304 suspected cases remain under investigation.
Although the outbreak has affected four provinces in northeastern DRC, the epicentre remains Ituri Province.
The current outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there are no approved vaccines or licensed treatments.
In response, authorities launched a clinical trial on July 2 to evaluate two potential therapies.
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 been affected by armed conflict and insecurity.
SOURCE:PUNCH NEWS
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