Doha: The United Nations has warned of a heightened risk of Ebola spreading through displacement camps in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), citing overcrowding and limited access to basic services as factors that could accelerate transmission.

According to Qatar News Agency, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) confirmed Ebola cases have been reported in at least 16 displacement camps in Ituri Province, the epicenter of the current outbreak. The camps are home to more than 270,000 displaced people.

OCHA said the United Nations and its humanitarian partners have set up handwashing stations and are continuing community awareness campaigns to help curb the spread of the disease. The agency emphasized that Ebola cases have been reported in five provinces across the DRC, as well as in neighboring Uganda.

OCHA warned that humanitarian needs continue to outstrip available resources, urging greater international support to sustain Ebola response efforts and assist displaced communities already grappling with years of conflict, displacement, and deteriorating living conditions. The agency also noted that no approved vaccine or treatment is currently available for the Bundibugyo strain responsible for the current outbreak.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the outbreak has recorded 2,344 confirmed cases, including 930 deaths. A total of 466 people have recovered, while 192 suspected cases remain under investigation.