Ebola outbreak kills 317 in Congo

At least 317 people have died of Ebola in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo over the past week, government data showed, as health workers struggle to contain the rapidly spreading outbreak.

As of Saturday, authorities had recorded 5,514 cases and 2,642 deaths. Health experts believe the actual number could be significantly higher.

The outbreak is centred in Ituri province, where difficult access, conflict, population movement, unpaid health workers and misinformation are hampering the response.

Congo has received more than 16,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine, which will be used to support efforts against the rare Bundibugyo strain, despite uncertainty over its effectiveness against this variant.

The government and health agencies are continuing emergency measures to contain the outbreak.