The WHO says Ebola cases are increasing in eastern Congo after the violence

GENEVA (AP) – The World Health Organization said the Ebola virus was on the rise in eastern Congo as a result of a series of attacks on health facilities.

WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier said the past two weeks had seen a record number of new cases in the outbreak.

With violence hampering vaccination efforts and safe burials, more people were exposed to the deadly virus during this period. Dozens of armed groups operate in the area.

According to Lindmeier, a total of 73 new cases were reported last week, compared with 57 the previous week.

However, WHO has indicated that new cases in this epidemic are now occurring in many less geographical areas.

Since the outbreak in August, 1,089 confirmed and probable cases have been reported, including 679 deaths.

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