Ebola continues to spread in DRC, death toll passes 500

The outbreak of the deadly Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to expand, with 506 deaths reported so far, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday.



The outbreak's "true scale has not yet been fully established," and it is too early to say it is stabilizing, Anne Ancia, WHO representative to the DRC, told reporters in Geneva by video link.



Speaking from Bunia, the capital of Ituri Province at the heart of the outbreak, Ancia said that as of July 4, the DRC has recorded 1,561 confirmed cases, including 506 deaths and 254 recoveries. More than 10,000 contacts are being monitored.



Ancia said local government, with WHO support, is tracing the history of every case to establish chains of transmission and isolate contacts. She added that treatment centers are operating "at saturation point" and the medical workers continue serving affected communities despite enormous challenges.



The current outbreak was declared on 15 May and has spread in areas marked by active conflict, displacement and overstretched health services.