The number of confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has risen to 710, including 149 deaths, the country’s health ministry said, while dismissing social media rumors that a nationwide lockdown had been imposed in response to the outbreak.

The number of confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has risen to 689, including 139 deaths, according to the latest situation report released by the country’s health authorities.

Attacks on health workers, skepticism among some locals and armed conflict in hot spots continue to challenge efforts to stop the outbreak.

Congo tightens health screening at the Barrier border following confirmation of an Ebola outbreak involving the Bundibugyo strain, in Goma / Reuters The contagious Ebola virus outbreak has killed at least 131 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo,

The outbreak’s death toll is 80 as of Friday, according to the World Health Organization, which said the rise in cases was focused in the Congo’s north-eastern Ituri Province. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said in a Friday statement there were around 246 suspected cases—a figure that is likely higher as of Saturday.

Twenty-six more suspected Ebola deaths ⁠were ⁠recorded in 24 hours in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, authorities

Of the confirmed cases, 324 patients are currently in isolation or receiving treatment, while 35 people have recovered from the disease

In its latest update, the World Health Organization says there have now been 139 suspected deaths and 600 cases.

A panel of experts ⁠led by ⁠the WHO is to meet to discuss vaccine ⁠options for new epidemic.