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Health experts are worried about the spread of Ebola virus disease in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Eastern Congo currently faces the second deadliest Ebola release in the story.
More than 600 people have already died of the disease since last August. Hundreds of others are infected.
However, a recent study found that one in four people surveyed in eastern Congo last year did not think the Ebola virus was real. Nearly half said they thought some people were inventing the Ebola outbreak to make money or electricity. Their convictions are reinforced by economic and political insecurity in the region.
The study was published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases newspaper. It was based on interviews last September, about one month after the outbreak began.
Beliefs can help spread – or stop – the deadly virus
According to researchers, the study showed that people's misconceptions about the Ebola virus made it more difficult to fight the virus.
The Ebola virus is transmitted through body fluids, so it is essential to stop the virus insulating those who are infected. They must be separated from the rest of the population.
But those who did not believe that Ebola was real were much less likely to seek help at a treatment center. They were also less likely to accept an Ebola vaccine.
Eva Erlach is a member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The group has more than 800 trained volunteers who explain to the people of eastern Congo how to prevent this disease.
Erlach called the results "absolutely interesting", even though the interviews were conducted more than six months ago. She said that they showed the connection between trust and preventive measures.
Tariq Riebl of the International Rescue Committee is currently working in eastern Congo. He said the results confirm what he and other workers see. As the virus spreads, helping communities take action to prevent the disease is almost as important as treatment, he said.
Riebl added, "It does not matter if you have all the treatment options available, because no one ever comes take advantage of this."
I am Jonathan Evans.
Krista Larson reported this article to the Associated Press news agency. Kelly Jean Kelly adapted it to learn English. George Grow was the publisher.
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Words in this story
enjoy – v. use something, as an opportunity, in a way that helps you; make good use of something
interview – not. a meeting where people talk to each other to ask questions and get information
isolate – v. put or keep someone or something in a place or situation separate from others
epidemic – not. a sudden start or increase in fighting or illness
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