The deadly Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has claimed 600 lives, with health authorities warning that the virus may be spreading into previously unaffected areas, intensifying fears of a wider public health crisis.

According to Reuters, two suspected Ebola cases have been identified in Kisangani, a major city in Tshopo Province, marking a worrying development as the outbreak expands beyond its original epicentre in eastern Congo.

The Associated Press (AP) also reported that the outbreak has now recorded 1,759 confirmed infections, while one of the newly suspected cases has no known link to the original outbreak zone, prompting an urgent investigation by health officials.

The outbreak, declared in May, is caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment. The World Health Organization says emergency clinical trials for experimental treatments are underway, but response efforts continue to face major obstacles, including insecurity, attacks on health facilities, and funding shortages.

Health experts have urged the international community to strengthen support for containment efforts, warning that without swift intervention, the outbreak could spread further across the region.