Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo are facing fresh challenges in containing an Ebola outbreak, as the World Health Organisation warns that most new cases in the epicentre have no known link to existing infections.
The WHO said four out of every five new cases recorded in Bunia, Ituri Province, are being detected outside known contact lists, raising concerns that the outbreak may be larger than official figures indicate.
Government data released on Thursday showed that the outbreak has infected 1,792 people and killed 625, with the WHO estimating the true number of cases could be two to four times higher.
WHO Emergencies Director Chikwe Ihekweazu said about 90 per cent of reported infections remain concentrated in Ituri Province, particularly in Bunia, Rwampara, Mongbwalu and Nyakunde.
He added that the virus has also spread to North Kivu, South Kivu and Tshopo provinces.
In Bunia, where nearly half of those tested are returning positive results, the WHO warned that community transmission remains intense.
Health officials believe the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola may cause milder symptoms, leading some families to care for infected relatives at home and delaying treatment. Ihekweazu said such delays increase the risk of further transmission, noting that many deaths have occurred outside treatment centres.
Authorities have now begun training 21,000 community health workers to conduct house-to-house surveillance, identify suspected cases and encourage early treatment.
