The Democratic Republic of the Congo has announced that the number of confirmed Ebola cases in the country has reached 598.
Congolese health authorities said on Tuesday, June 9, that 115 people have died from the disease so far, while 22 patients have recovered.
According to the government, the Ebola outbreak was officially declared on May 15. However, officials said the disease had gone undetected for several weeks, making efforts to contain the outbreak more difficult.
The virus has spread across the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu, regions already affected by insecurity. Cases have been recorded in 17 health zones in Ituri, seven in North Kivu, and one in South Kivu.
Authorities have urged residents to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or severe weakness, and to follow the guidance of health workers.
Meanwhile, reports indicate growing mistrust of health teams, resistance to response efforts, and attacks on treatment facilities and burial teams.
Aid organizations have also warned that shortages of resources and medical supplies are creating serious challenges for efforts to contain the outbreak.
