Ebola deaths in DR Congo surpass 500

The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s latest Ebola outbreak has reached a grim milestone, with the death toll now surpassing 500. 

According to a Sunday report from the country's health authorities, the DR Congo has officially recorded 1,561 confirmed cases and 506 deaths. While 254 patients have successfully recovered, another 628 confirmed patients remain in isolation or under hospital care.

Authorities also identified 354 suspected cases, including 110 deaths. The report said the outbreak has so far affected 36 health zones in three provinces.

Weekly confirmed cases have continued to rise, with epidemiological weeks 25 and 26 representing the highest levels recorded since the start of the outbreak, each exceeding 300 confirmed cases, indicating continued community transmission.

The World Health Organization said Thursday that a clinical trial had begun enrolling patients in the DR Congo to evaluate potential treatments for Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo ebolavirus, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment.

Clinical trials have begun at the CME Ebola treatment center in the Rwampara health zone in Ituri Province, the epicenter of the outbreak, according to the report.