The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reported 1,203 confirmed Ebola cases, including 321 deaths, since the outbreak was declared on May 15, according to the latest government situation report released on Friday.

Health authorities confirmed 48 new cases and 17 additional deaths over the previous 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed infections to 1,203. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo ebolavirus, has spread across multiple health zones in the eastern provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu.

The report said 148 patients have recovered, while 419 remain in isolation or are receiving treatment. Authorities have also recorded 265 suspected cases, including 77 deaths, which are still under investigation.

Despite progress in contact tracing and patient recovery, officials warned that the response continues to face significant challenges. These include community resistance to post-mortem testing, treatment centres in Ituri nearing capacity, shortages of essential medicines and infection prevention supplies, and a shortfall of about 20 isolation centres.

Insecurity linked to armed groups, population displacement and cross-border movement have further complicated efforts to contain the outbreak. Health authorities also cited a funding gap of about $20 million.

World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said more contacts were being traced and increasing numbers of Ebola patients were recovering, but stressed that the response remained "far from over," with conflict and community mistrust continuing to hinder containment efforts.

The outbreak, the DRC's 17th since Ebola was first identified in the country in 1976, has also spread across the border into Uganda, where imported cases have been reported.