Ebola death toll in DRC hits 600, WHO reports

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has claimed 600 lives.

This is according to updated figures released by the World Health Organisation on Thursday.

This came just three days after the death toll surpassed 500.

The latest data, compiled by the WHO from Congolese health authorities, shows that the country has recorded 1,759 confirmed Ebola cases since the outbreak was declared in mid-May, including 600 confirmed deaths.

The outbreak has also spread beyond the DRC, with neighbouring Uganda reporting two deaths. Ugandan health authorities have confirmed 20 cases, of which 17 patients have recovered.