The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) has recorded 600 deaths in its latest Ebola outbreak, with health authorities also reporting new suspected cases in areas previously unaffected by the disease.
According to a government report released late Wednesday, the total number of confirmed Ebola infections has risen to 1,759.
The report said two new suspected cases were identified in Kisangani, the capital of Tshopo Province, where no Ebola infections had previously been recorded during the current outbreak.
One of the suspected cases was traced to the Nia-Nia health zone in Ituri Province, where the outbreak was first detected.
The second case has no apparent geographical link to any known transmission chain, prompting further investigations by health authorities.
The Congolese government declared the latest Ebola outbreak on May 15 after the virus had reportedly been spreading undetected for several weeks, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Health officials said the outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment.
Clinical trials aimed at finding effective treatments have begun as researchers intensify efforts to contain the outbreak.
However, the response has been complicated by funding shortages, attacks on health facilities and the continuing conflict in eastern DR Congo, the epicentre of the epidemic.
Authorities continue surveillance and contact tracing as they work to prevent further spread of the deadly virus.
