The outbreak, which involves the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, has become the deadliest recorded outbreak of the variant. Health authorities in the DRC have so far confirmed 1,561 cases, with 506 deaths reported.
Speaking on Tuesday, WHO representative in the country, Dr Anne Ancia, said efforts to contain the virus were being undermined by continued transmission and several operational difficulties.
“It is still in the expansion phase, unfortunately. We would like to say it is stabilising, but frankly we cannot say it yet,” Ancia said.
She explained that some Ebola treatment centres were under severe pressure as patient numbers continued to rise, with occupancy rates reaching about 90 per cent in certain facilities.
According to the WHO official, another major concern is the movement of infected individuals from affected communities to other areas. She noted that in the mining town of Mongbwalu, some workers who fall ill are avoiding local treatment centres and instead travelling elsewhere, increasing the risk of spreading the virus.
“Population movements, persistent insecurity and the fragility of the health system continue to complicate efforts to bring the outbreak under control,” Ancia said.
Health responders have faced repeated obstacles in tackling Ebola outbreaks in parts of Congo, including insecurity in some regions, limited healthcare infrastructure and difficulties in ensuring that suspected cases are quickly identified and isolated.
The current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, a strain for which there is no proven cure. Medical teams have continued to rely on supportive care, infection prevention measures, vaccination strategies and community engagement to reduce transmission.
WHO officials said controlling the outbreak will require stronger cooperation from communities, improved access to treatment facilities and continued efforts to address the factors allowing the virus to spread.