The number of confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has jumped to 782 after health officials on Sunday reported 72 new infections in just one day.

This marks one of the largest single-day increases since the current outbreak began, according to government data.

So far, 181 people have died in the country's 17th Ebola outbreak. The outbreak remains limited to the three provinces of North Kivu, Ituri and South Kivu.

However, two areas have reported Ebola cases for the first time.

Cases were confirmed in the Nia-Nia health zone in Ituri and the Mabalako health zone in North Kivu.

The latest figures show the disease has spread to 20 of 36 health zones in Ituri, 10 of 34 health zones in North Kivu, and one health zone in South Kivu.

Authorities are working alongside international health agencies to curb the further spread of the deadly virus. Teams are tracing contacts, setting up treatment centers and urging communities to report symptoms quickly.

Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person, or with objects contaminated with infected body fluids.

(With input from wires.)