The Democratic Republic of Congo says the number of confirmed deaths from the ongoing Ebola outbreak has risen to 101, with insecurity continuing to hamper response efforts in affected areas.

The outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola was officially declared on May 15, though health authorities have said the virus circulated undetected for several weeks before being identified.

The outbreak is affecting three eastern provinces plagued by armed conflict: Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu.

In its latest situation report released on Monday, the Congolese government said 35 new confirmed cases, including 10 deaths, were recorded within the previous 24 hours.

The new figures brought the total number of confirmed Ebola cases to 550 and the total number of confirmed deaths to 101.

According to the report, cases have been recorded in 17 health zones in Ituri Province, seven health zones in North Kivu and one health zone in South Kivu.

Health officials said mistrust among communities and resistance to intervention measures continued to undermine efforts to contain the outbreak.

Authorities have also reported attacks on burial teams and treatment centres involved in the response.

A source familiar with the government response said the latest attack occurred on Sunday when a burial team was targeted at the Nyamurongo Cemetery in Bunia.

The attack reportedly left two people seriously injured and damaged two vehicles belonging to the response team.

The situation report noted that the activities of armed groups in Djugu, Irumu and Mambasa territories in Ituri Province continued to restrict humanitarian access to several affected and at-risk health zones.

It, however, stated that Bunia, the capital of Ituri Province, remained relatively calm.

Earlier on Monday, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) reported 544 confirmed Ebola cases and 88 confirmed deaths in Congo. 

(Reuters/NAN)