Kinshasa, May 20:
At least 131 deaths and 513 suspected cases have been reported in an ongoing Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to the country’s health ministry.
Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba said the figures include suspected cases, and investigations are underway to confirm how many are directly linked to the disease.
The outbreak, first confirmed last Friday, has prompted the World Health Organization to declare it a public health emergency of international concern.
Officials say the outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which currently has no approved treatment or vaccine.
Cases have been detected in several areas, including Bunia, Goma, Mongbwalu, Butembo and Nyakunde.
The WHO has expressed concern about the rapid spread and severity of the outbreak.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the agency is closely monitoring the situation and has convened an emergency committee to issue recommendations on containment and response measures.