Ebola death toll in DR Congo surpasses 500

The death toll from the latest Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has surpassed 500, according to a report released on Sunday by the country’s health authorities. The report stated that the DRC has recorded 1,561 confirmed cases, including 506 deaths. A total of 254 patients have recovered, while 628 confirmed patients are currently in isolation or receiving treatment in hospital. Local authorities have also identified 354 suspected cases, including 110 deaths. The report noted that the outbreak has so far affected 36 health zones across three provinces. Weekly confirmed cases continue to rise, with epidemiological weeks 25 and 26 recording the highest levels since the outbreak began, each surpassing 300 confirmed cases. The figures indicate that community-level transmission is persisting. The World Health Organisation said on Thursday that a clinical trial has begun recruiting patients in the DRC to evaluate potential treatments for Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo Ebola virus, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment. The clinical trial has commenced at the CME Ebola treatment centre in the Rwampara health zone, Ituri Province, which is the epicentre of the outbreak.