Ebola symptoms and how it spreads as officials confirm 131 dead in outbreak

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has killed more than 130 people, with more than 500 cases suspected. Fears of the virus spreading worldwide are surging. Here are the symptoms to be aware of.

Per the BBC, officials said that by Tuesday, more than 513 Ebola cases were suspected in DR Congo. Moreover, one person has also died from Ebola in the neighboring country of Uganda.

One American tested positive for Ebola after being exposed while working with a medical missionary group in the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, no Americans on home soil have so far been confirmed to have the virus.

People living near the center of an Ebola outbreak that has killed 131 people say they are very afraid. One man in the Itur province, where the outbreak started, people said they are very afraid, adding that “Ebola has caused us great suffering.”

Moreover, according to the BBC, a representative from the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that the disease may be spreading faster than previously believed.

Dr. Anne Ancia from the WHO told the British news outlet that as health workers investigate more, they are finding cases in new areas.

A study by the MRC Center for Global Infectious Disease Analysis in London said there may be many more cases yet to be found. Researchers said the total number of cases could already exceed 1,000.