A new outbreak of the highly contagious Ebola virus has killed dozens of people in a remote part of Congo, according to health authorities. It comes as the country battles several armed groups.

Africa's top public health agency has confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said in a statement on Friday that 65 deaths and 246 suspected cases had been recorded so far in the remote Ituri province.

The health body said it was convening an urgent meeting with Congo, ​Uganda, South Sudan and global partners ​to reinforce cross-border surveillance, preparedness and response efforts.

It said the cases had mainly been reported in the Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones, with four deaths among laboratory-confirmed cases.