Death Toll from Ebola in Congo Surpasses 500 Cases

The number of deaths caused by Ebola fever in the Democratic Republic of Congo has exceeded 500, according to a report released by the country's authorities.

The Congolese News Agency (ACP) stated that "key figures indicate 253 recoveries, 1,561 confirmed cases including 506 deaths, and 628 patients currently undergoing treatment."

Health officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo estimate the fatality rate of the virus at 32.4%.

The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern, citing the virus's threat to neighboring countries. The organization assesses the regional risk of virus spread as "high."