The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has warned that the Ebola outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has not yet reached its peak, raising concerns that the health crisis could continue for as long as a year.

Speaking on the state of the outbreak, IFRC operations manager Bruno Michon said current trends suggest the most challenging phase of the epidemic may still lie ahead. “The peak is, I think, not behind us, but in front of us,” Michon said, adding that humanitarian responders are preparing for a prolonged response if transmission is not brought under control.

The Red Cross said the full scale of the outbreak remains difficult to determine because many affected communities are located in areas with ongoing conflict. Insecurity has limited access for health workers, making it harder to identify cases, trace contacts, and provide timely treatment. Response teams are also facing resistance from some communities, with mistrust continuing to affect public health efforts such as disease surveillance, patient isolation, and safe burial practices.

Another challenge highlighted by the IFRC is that the current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. Unlike the Zaire strain, which has approved vaccines and established treatment options, there is currently no widely proven vaccine or specific treatment for the Bundibugyo variant. Health authorities therefore continue to rely on early detection, supportive medical care, infection prevention measures, and community cooperation to contain the disease.

According to the latest official figures, the outbreak has resulted in 782 confirmed cases and 181 deaths. However, aid agencies caution that the actual number of infections could be higher due to underreporting and limited access to some affected areas.

The Red Cross said it will continue working alongside health authorities and humanitarian partners to strengthen surveillance, support affected communities, and improve public awareness as efforts to contain the outbreak continue.