KINSHASA -- The number of confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has risen to 635 as of June 9, Health Minister Roger Kamba said Wednesday.

In a post on social media platform X, Kamba said the outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo Ebola virus, continues to pose challenges, but the response is gaining momentum, with more patients recovering and contact tracing improving.

According to Kamba, the proportion of contacts under follow-up has increased to 61.1 percent, up from 56.4 percent a day earlier. He said health authorities are monitoring "every zone, every alert and every signal," as vigilance remains high.

Kamba also announced eight new recoveries, including seven in Nyankunde and one in Mongbwalu, both in the eastern province of Ituri. The new recoveries brought the total number of recovered patients to 30.

"Each recovery sends a strong message: come for treatment, as early care saves lives," he said.

The minister added that 490 tonnes of medicines have been deployed, laboratories strengthened and response teams mobilized around the clock in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.

The DRC declared its latest Ebola outbreak on May 15. On May 17, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.