According to humanitarian partners, the epidemic is rapidly intensifying and already recorded more than 1,450 confirmed cases and 27 deaths since January, representing a six-fold increase compared to last year.

Underlying causes include severely limited access to safe drinking water, with less than 20 percent coverage in affected areas, and insufficient health capacity for case management, OCHA said.

Last week the agency warned of the danger posed by the disease, with outbreaks also declared in North Kivu, South Kivu and Maniema provinces.

According to OCHA, humanitarian partners are responding with treatment and outreach campaigns, but medical supplies, protective equipment and health facilities are in shortage.

“The outbreak appears to be worsening in Maniema province, where health authorities report a case fatality rate of 13 percent, well above the emergency threshold of two percent,” the agency said.

jrr/jav/npg/kmg