The Democratic Republic of the Congo said on Tuesday that confirmed Ebola cases had risen to nearly 600, raising awareness among local people about the importance of safety measures.
The outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola was announced on May 15, although authorities have since said it went undetected for weeks, leaving health authorities behind the curve and struggling to control it.
One of the largest Ebola outbreaks ever recorded in the world is unfolding in three provinces long beset by armed conflict: Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu.
In its latest statement published on X, the Congo government said the number of confirmed Ebola cases had risen to 598, including 115 deaths.
He also said that 22 patients have recovered from the disease and that the new cases are not spreading to more health areas.
Cases have been recorded in 17 of the Ituri health zones, as well as in seven health zones in North Kivu and one health zone in South Kivu.
“If you have fever, vomiting, diarrhea or severe weakness, you should immediately go to the nearest health center,” the statement said, urging the population to follow the instructions of health workers and not attack them.
Mistrust and resistance have hampered the response, with attacks on burial equipment and treatment centers reported.
Doctors are also struggling to get basic equipment to stay safe and prevent further spread of the disease, according to more than a dozen doctors, aid workers and public health officials.
The International Rescue Committee aid group on Tuesday called for the funding needed to contain the outbreak in Ituri province before it spreads further.
