The rapid spread of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo has created a "deeply alarming" situation, medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has warned, as the outbreak continues to expand just two weeks after it was officially declared.
More than 1,000 suspected cases have been reported in DR Congo, with at least 246 deaths recorded, while neighbouring Uganda has confirmed nine cases and one death.
The warning came as World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus travelled to the eastern province of Ituri, the centre of the outbreak, to assess containment efforts and support local health authorities.
MSF said the outbreak is spreading faster than the current response can manage, raising concerns among communities and frontline health workers.
Dr Alan Gonzalez, MSF Deputy Director of Operations, said the scale of the outbreak remains uncertain because hundreds of samples have yet to be tested despite new suspected cases being reported daily.
The organisation noted that the outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there are no approved vaccines or specific treatments.
MSF also warned that border and airport closures are delaying the arrival of medical supplies, humanitarian assistance and specialised personnel needed to strengthen the response.
The group called for an immediate expansion of testing capacity and a rapid increase in coordinated medical and humanitarian support.
It also cautioned that overwhelmed health facilities and fear among residents could lead to a worsening of other untreated health conditions.
During his visit to Bunia, the capital of Ituri province, Tedros said communities must play a greater role in efforts to contain the disease.
He stressed that local populations understand the challenges they face and can contribute to effective solutions.
The WHO chief also urged caution during funeral ceremonies, warning that contact with the bodies of Ebola victims can contribute to further transmission.
Health authorities in Bunia have introduced public awareness measures, including handwashing stations at the airport and health information campaigns in local languages and French.
A laboratory in the city is now able to process Ebola tests within 24 hours, significantly reducing delays that previously occurred when samples were sent more than 1,500 kilometres away to Kinshasa.
Separately, health authorities in Brazil said they were investigating a suspected Ebola case involving a man who had recently returned from DR Congo and is currently in isolation.