Foreign News
Ebola death toll in DRC tops 300 amid widening outbreak
The death toll from Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo has surpassed 300 people, health authorities said on Thursday.
The epidemic caused by the Bundibugyo strain has affected 34 health zones and remains active in three provinces, including Ituri, the epicentre of the crisis, North Kivu and South Kivu.
The tally of confirmed cases has climbed to 1,155, including 304 deaths since the outbreak was declared on May 15, with a fatality rate of 26.3 percent, according to the situation update released by the Health Ministry.
The ministry meanwhile reported 16 newly recovered patients in Ituri following negative control tests, bringing the total recoveries to 138.
Earlier on Thursday, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said the continental Ebola outbreak response and preparedness plan requires $1.4 billion.