The Democratic Republic of the Congo has warned of rapid community transmission of Ebola after confirming 71 new cases in a 24-hour period, according to the country's health ministry.

Axar.az reports, citing Reuters, the latest figures bring the total number of confirmed cases to 452 since the outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola was declared on May 15. The outbreak has resulted in 82 confirmed deaths.

Most cases remain concentrated in the northeastern province of Ituri, where weak healthcare infrastructure and ongoing insecurity have complicated response efforts. Of the 71 new cases, 65 were reported in Ituri and six in neighboring North Kivu province.

“The number of confirmed cases recorded in the two provinces demonstrates rapid and continuous community transmission,” the health ministry said in its daily situation report.

The outbreak has spread across multiple health zones in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu, while neighboring Uganda has also reported cases.

Earlier on Friday, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced a $518 million six-month response plan aimed at containing the outbreak in Congo and Uganda and strengthening preparedness in neighboring countries.