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 Organization (WHO).
The updated data, published on Thursday, showed that the number of fatalities increased sharply just days after the death toll surpassed 500.
Since the outbreak was officially declared in mid-May, health authorities have confirmed 1,759 Ebola cases across the country, including 600 deaths, representing a case fatality rate of approximately 34 percent, The News Edition reports.
The WHO also reported that 285 patients have recovered from the disease, while more than 300 suspected cases remain under investigation.
The outbreak is largely concentrated in Ituri Province in northeastern DRC but has spread across four provinces in the country.
Health experts say the outbreak is being driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there are currently no approved vaccines or specific treatments.
In response, authorities in the DRC launched clinical trials on July 2 to test two potential treatments — the monoclonal antibody MBP134 and the antiviral drug remdesivir — both individually and in combination.
Meanwhile, neighbouring Uganda has recorded 20 confirmed cases linked to the outbreak, with two deaths and 17 recoveries reported so far.
Ebola is a severe viral disease that spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids and contaminated materials.
The current outbreak is the Democratic Republic of Congo’s 17th Ebola outbreak since the virus was first identified in the country, with health officials continuing efforts to contain its spread in regions already affected by armed conflict and insecurity.