Red Cross says Congo Ebola epidemic yet to peak,

A Red Cross said Tuesday that the Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo hasn’t yet reached its peak and could last up to a year.

More than 800 cases of the rare Bundibugyo strain, which has no proven treatment or vaccine, have been reported in Congo, with 192 resulting in death. The illness, spread through body fluids even after death, is rapidly moving across three provinces, according to government data.

“It’s very difficult to know exactly to ​what extent the epidemic is spreading … but yes, the peak is, I think, not behind us, but in front of us,” ​Bruno Michon, operations manager for the International Federation of ​Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, told reporters by video link ‌from ⁠eastern Congo.

“We are afraid that this could last one year, to end this disease.”

The response has been slowed by a shortage of treatment centers and resistance from the community to strict hygiene measures. Health officials say that, more than a month after the outbreak was declared, the true extent is still unclear.

Michon said that IFRC teams, which assist with community engagement and ensure safe, dignified burials for Ebola victims, have recently faced verbal abuse, threats, and attacks.

“Building trust takes time. It requires honesty, patience, and ⁠humility, ​but in this outbreak it is ​not optional, it is life-saving,” he said.