We are chasing Ebola virus - it is ahead of us, WHO warns
The WHO warns that health authorities are struggling to contain a major Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has already claimed nearly 2,000 lives. Insecurity and traditional burial practices are cited as significant barriers to effective disease control.
Why it matters
The outbreak underscores the critical challenges of managing public health crises in conflict-affected regions with limited medical infrastructure.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Health workers need to be fully protected as the virus can spread from touching bodily fluids.
The latest Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo began at least three months before it was officially declared - meaning the health authorities are still playing catch-up, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned.
More than 1,900 people have died from the virus since that declaration on 15 May, making this the second-worst Ebola outbreak ever.
Infection rates are still high, adding to the concern that the authorities are struggling to get to grips with the spread of the disease.
The epicentre of this outbreak of the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, is in the east of DR Congo where insecurity has hampered control efforts.
There is also no approved vaccine or any recognised therapeutic drugs, making treating Bundibugyo harder.
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