Ebola Cases Hit 782 As DRC Outbreak Worsens

Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have risen to 782, including 178 deaths, as the outbreak spreads to two additional health zones, authorities said.

The latest situation report showed that 72 new confirmed cases, including 29 deaths, were recorded in the eastern provinces of Ituri and North Kivu.

The newly affected health zones are Nia-Nia in Ituri and Mabalako in North Kivu, bringing the total to 31. A health zone is a local public health management unit responsible for surveillance, case reporting and response coordination.

The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo Ebola virus, was officially declared on May 15 and has affected Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, reports Xinhua/NAN.

According to the report, 359 patients were in isolation or receiving treatment as of Saturday, while 40 patients had recovered from the disease.