Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) say the country's Ebola outbreak continues to worsen, with confirmed infections nearing 600 and concerns growing that the disease could spread further if containment efforts are not strengthened.

According to the latest figures released Tuesday, the number of confirmed Ebola cases has reached 598, including 115 deaths. Officials reported 48 new infections and 14 additional deaths on Monday alone, highlighting the rapid pace of transmission.

Three more patients were declared recovered, bringing the total number of recoveries to 22.

Public health officials said the number of confirmed cases has been increasing from week to week, indicating sustained community transmission.

A total of 297 people remained in isolation or under hospital care on Monday. That figure included 113 confirmed Ebola patients and 184 suspected cases.

Authorities warned that the outbreak could spread quickly to new areas if control measures are not implemented rapidly and effectively.

The current outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, was officially declared by the DRC's Health Ministry on May 15.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said response operations are facing major challenges.

According to the agency, many health facilities in affected regions lack essential resources, including clean water, protective equipment, decontamination supplies and medical waste disposal systems.

These shortages are making it more difficult for healthcare workers to isolate patients and prevent further infections.

Earlier, the World Health Organization warned that the outbreak was expanding rapidly and had already spread beyond its original epicentre, raising concerns about possible cross-border transmission.

Security problems in eastern Congo are further complicating efforts to contain the disease.

The outbreak's epicentre remains in Ituri province, where armed groups continue to operate in several regions. Health authorities say insecurity has limited access to some of the most affected and high-risk communities.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned Tuesday that escalating violence and population displacement are increasing the risks associated with the outbreak.

In North Kivu province, local authorities reported a series of attacks carried out between May 30 and June 6. At least 40 civilians were killed in the town of Beni during the violence.

Humanitarian agencies say the deteriorating security situation is hindering the delivery of medical assistance and restricting Ebola response teams from reaching vulnerable populations.

Meanwhile, clashes in South Kivu province forced nearly 15,000 people to flee their homes and seek refuge in the Miti-Murhesa health zone.

Officials noted that all confirmed Ebola cases in South Kivu are currently located within that same area, raising fears that crowded conditions and disrupted healthcare services could accelerate transmission.

Health experts have stressed that containing Ebola outbreaks depends heavily on rapid detection, patient isolation and uninterrupted access for medical teams.

With violence, displacement and shortages of critical supplies continuing to affect eastern Congo, authorities and international organizations are warning that the outbreak could expand further if response efforts are disrupted.

Aid agencies and health officials are expected to intensify surveillance and containment measures in the coming weeks as they work to prevent additional infections and reduce the risk of the disease spreading to neighbouring regions and countries.

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