Kinshasa: The current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is "spreading rapidly," threatening to outpace the country's response, health authorities warned Thursday as the death toll surpassed 1,500.

According to Anadolu Agency, a Health Ministry update showed a surge in new cases, with the number of infections doubling every 20 days since the outbreak declaration in mid-May. The data showed confirmed cases to date have risen to more than 3,440. Over the past two months, 1,000 people have died, with the case fatality rate now standing at 44.2%.

De-Joseph Kakisingi, a physician, emphasized the need for increased mobilization and adaptation of response strategies to cut the chains of transmission swiftly. He highlighted that the response must be faster than Ebola, focusing on strategy rather than just logistics or medical intervention.

The virus has affected five provinces: Haut-Uele, Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, and Tshopo. The epidemic has now spread to nearly 50 health zones, after a new zone was affected in the Tshopo province.

Community resistance remains a significant challenge, with rumors and organizational difficulties related to safe burials undermining containment efforts. Unidentified men recently burned two health facilities in Butembo, North Kivu amid rumors accusing health officials of falsely declaring patients infected.

The World Food Program (WFP) warned that food insecurity could also affect Ebola containment. The outbreak is occurring in a complex humanitarian environment marked by conflict, displacement, limited access to services, and a health workers strike. The WFP stated that without urgent support, families might have to choose between health measures and finding food, worsening the crisis.

Carl Skau, the WFP's acting executive director, stated that "Ebola feeds on delay, fear, and hunger." More than 2.65 million people in the Ebola-affected health zones face acute food insecurity, according to the WFP.