Five things to know:
1. Of the 24 new infections, eight occurred in the city of Katwa — a current outbreak hotspot.
2. Six cases occurred in Vuhovi. Health officials said these infections likely stemmed from one family who refused vaccinations and follow-up care after a loved one contracted Ebola.
3. The new infections bring the total case count to 960 cases, 895 of which are confirmed. An additional 172 suspected cases are still under investigation.
4. Health officials also reported 12 new deaths since March 16, bringing the total death toll to 603.
5. As of March 18, more than 89,173 people in the Congo have received Merck’s experimental Ebola vaccine.
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