The Democratic Republic of Congo has recorded a fresh increase in Ebola infections, with confirmed cases rising to 1,502, including 473 deaths, according to government data released on Friday.
The cases have been reported across the eastern provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu, where health authorities continue surveillance, contact tracing and treatment efforts to contain the outbreak.
Officials say response teams are also carrying out vaccination campaigns for high-risk contacts, strengthening infection prevention measures in health facilities and educating communities on ways to limit the spread of the virus.
Ebola is a severe viral disease transmitted through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person or contaminated materials. Early symptoms include fever, severe weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat, which can progress to vomiting, diarrhoea and, in some cases, internal and external bleeding.
Health authorities have urged residents in affected communities to report suspected cases promptly, avoid contact with infected persons and cooperate with health workers to curb further transmission.
The DRC has experienced several Ebola outbreaks over the years, with recurring cases often linked to insecurity and difficulties in accessing some affected communities, complicating efforts to bring the disease under control.
