The agency noted that more than 270,000 people, mostly women and children, are sheltered in more than 60 camps throughout the province, many of which lack adequate access to water, sanitation, and health services, in addition to overcrowding, all of which increases the risk of Ebola transmission.

“The UN has received reports from local partners indicating that, between June 17 and 18, at least 13 people died in two camps in Bunia. Response teams are urgently investigating whether these deaths are related to Ebola to ensure the implementation of appropriate response measures,” OCHA reported.

He added that at least 62 deaths have been reported in camps around the city since April, one of the hardest hit by the current epidemic declared on May 15.

The UN agency’s report stated that distrust in health centers, overcrowding, deficiencies in prevention measures, and inadequate handling of corpses are among the risks that increase the likelihood of transmission among people in the camps for displaced persons.

Ituri accounts for almost 91% of the approximately 900 confirmed cases to date, which complicates the situation given the refugee population.

“OCHA and its partners are working with local authorities to strengthen community participation and intensify health and sanitation initiatives in the camps. Current measures are insufficient given the scale of the needs,” the report stated.

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