DR Congo Ebola outbreak: confirmed cases rise to 1,003, deaths to 254

KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of the Congo — Confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have risen to 1,003, with the death toll climbing to 254, according to health authorities in the country. The figures were released in a late-Sunday update by Congolese health officials, a day after 956 cases and 247 deaths had been reported. The update showed 47 new confirmed cases and seven additional deaths recorded in a single day. Authorities said the disease is spreading more rapidly following the deaths of dozens of people in camps in eastern Congo. Health authorities said they have intensified surveillance and control operations, warning that the outbreak could expand to wider areas. They are continuing coverage, quarantine and contact-tracing measures in coordination with international organizations. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been among the African countries most affected by Ebola outbreaks in recent years. No further details on response plans were immediately available.