Confirmed Ebola cases in DR Congo rise to 1,048

KINSHASA -- The number of confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has risen to 1,048, including 267 deaths, according to the latest report released Monday by the country's health authorities.

According to the report, covering data as of Sunday, 371 patients were in isolation or hospitalized, while 112 people had recovered. A total of 202 suspected cases, including 60 deaths, were identified as of Sunday. The overall case fatality rate stood at 25.5 percent.

The report said the number of confirmed cases has continued to rise week by week, indicating ongoing community transmission. It warned that a rapid geographic spread remains possible if public health measures are not implemented promptly.

The current outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo ebolavirus, was officially declared on May 15 by the DRC's health ministry.