People living near the epicentre of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have expressed growing fear, as the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that infections may be spreading faster than initially estimated.
The outbreak, which has killed 131 people, is centred in Ituri Province, where residents say the disease is progressing rapidly.
Eyewitnesses reported that infected individuals are dying “very fast,” with some describing the situation as devastating, saying: “Ebola has tortured us.”
Health officials say more than 513 suspected cases had been recorded in the DRC as of Tuesday, while one death has also been confirmed in neighbouring Uganda.
WHO representative Dr Anne Ancia said ongoing investigations suggest the outbreak may be more widespread than previously thought, with infections potentially extending to additional areas.
A modelling analysis by the London-based MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis indicated there is likely “substantial under-detection” of cases and warned that the total number of infections could already exceed 1,000.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has cautioned that Ebola outbreaks can escalate rapidly when cases are not detected early, communities lack accurate information, and health systems become overwhelmed.
Meanwhile, DRC President Félix Tshisekedi has called for calm and urged citizens to remain vigilant following a crisis meeting held earlier this week.
By Newsroom
19th May 2026
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