Kinshasa, July 14 (SANA)The number of confirmedEbolacases in theDemocratic Republic of Congohas risen to 1,963, with 719 deaths reported, authorities said on Tuesday, as the country continues to battle one of its worst outbreaks of the deadly virus.

According to the latest update cited by Reuters, health authorities said 719 people have died since the outbreak began.

Ebola is a highly infectious viral disease that spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people or animals. The illness often has a high fatality rate and can cause severe symptoms including high fever, vomiting, and internal and external bleeding.

Health authorities continue to monitor the outbreak and implement response measures aimed at containing the spread of the virus.kA.ABD