The Red Cross has warned that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has not yet reached its peak and may take up to a year before it is brought under control.
Data from the World Health Organisation shows that since the outbreak was declared on May 15, a total of 808 cases have been confirmed, with 192 deaths recorded.
Speaking in Bunia, the capital of Ituri province where the outbreak is most severe, an official of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said the situation is still worsening.
Bruno Michon, the IFRC operations manager for the Ebola response, told reporters via video link that the epidemic is still spreading and not yet under control.
He said testing limitations make it difficult to fully determine the scale of transmission, adding that the outbreak may still expand further.
Michon warned that the situation could become more severe before improving, noting that the peak of the epidemic is likely still ahead, and cautioned that it may last up to a year.
The Ebola strain involved currently has no approved vaccine or treatment and has spread beyond the epicentre in Ituri to North and South Kivu, as well as neighbouring Uganda, where additional cases have been reported.
He stressed that controlling the outbreak will require both medical intervention and strong community engagement to build trust.
He also raised concerns about safety risks faced by response teams, noting that some Red Cross volunteers have faced threats and attacks while carrying out their duties.
According to him, community trust remains critical to detecting cases early, ensuring safe burials, and stopping further transmission.