The Ebola epidemic has spread to seven provinces and 62 health zones in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with 7,200 cases and 3,475 deaths confirmed by authorities.
The Ministry of Communication and Media said there had been a new outbreak in the Bulu health zone of South Ubangi province and that surveillance had been increased in Ituri and North Kivu and other areas considered at risk.
It said 1,712 patients had been discharged and 923 were still isolated or in hospital. The case fatality rate was 48.3% and contact tracing had achieved 88%.
National trends for the epidemic curve were described as encouraging but authorities warned continued vigilance was needed as the virus moved into new areas.
Health authorities have continued surveillance and response activities in affected communities, including identification of contacts and isolation of suspected cases to prevent further transmission.
The latest figures underline the severity of the outbreak even as some national measures improve. As authorities attempt to control transmission and prevent geographic spread of the disease.
The World Health Organisation and Congolese health authorities have previously warned that Ebola response efforts depend heavily on rapid detection, contact tracing and community engagement.
