The World Health Organization has stepped up emergency operations in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo after the country recorded 136 deaths and about 543 suspected Ebola cases, according to Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba.

Some 88 people have died from the highly contagious haemorrhagic fever in the DR Congo, with one death in Uganda, and at least 336 suspected cases.

WHO declares Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda a global public health emergency amid rising suspected cases and deaths.