Community leaders in the Bankoko neighbourhood of Bunia, in DR Congo's Ituri province, said on Thursday that 26 people had died in nearly three weeks. They also reported more than 100 contacts linked to a possible resurgence of Ebola, Radio Okapi reported. The figures were current as of Wednesday, October 28.
Health authorities have not confirmed the numbers. They say they are taking steps to prevent any spread.
According to the community leaders, the deaths began after a woman returned from Djugu territory, where she had attended a funeral. She is said to have died after being taken to a private health facility. Her body was then allegedly brought back to the family home without special precautions before the burial. Several people who had touched the body reportedly died afterwards.
Dr Prosper Ukurfwa, chief medical officer of the Bunia health zone, did not confirm the community leaders' figures. He said measures were in place to prevent a possible spread of the disease.
Those measures include surveillance, contact tracing and moving patients to treatment centres. Health workers are also urging residents to follow basic protective measures, according to Radio Okapi.