Ebola cases in DR Congo exceed 1,000, while death toll stands at 254

Confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have exceeded 1,000, while the death toll has risen to 254, according to the country’s Ministry of Communication and Media.

As of June 22, 1,003 cases have been recorded nationwide, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

Experts say the case fatality rate stands at 25.3%.

A total of 365 patients are currently in hospitals and isolation centres, while 100 people have fully recovered.

Authorities noted an improvement in recovery rates but expressed concern over a decline in contact tracing, which currently stands at 58%.

The current Ebola outbreak began on May 15 in eastern DR Congo, with the epicentre in Ituri province.

Cases and deaths have also been reported in neighbouring Uganda.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov