The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is creating new areas of transmission as health workers struggle with shortages, weak coordination and difficult conditions on the ground.
The Associated Press reports that more than 8,500 cases and over 4,000 deaths have been recorded in the outbreak.
North Kivu has become a major concern, accounting for a large share of newly reported infections.
Responders say many people are becoming sick or dying outside specialized treatment centers, increasing the possibility that infections could spread through families and local health facilities.
Contact tracing has also been difficult, particularly in areas affected by insecurity, population movement and mistrust of authorities.
Public health specialists say community cooperation remains essential because Ebola can spread through direct contact with bodily fluids from an infected person.
The situation has also raised concern beyond Congo after a case was reported in neighboring Kenya.
Health agencies are calling for stronger coordination, additional medical resources and faster identification of people who may have been exposed.
