An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has killed at least 131 people, with health officials warning the virus may be spreading further than recorded figures show.

The World Health Organization says suspected cases have risen above 500, while a modelling study suggests the real number could already be over 1,000 due to missed infections. The outbreak has also been reported in neighbouring Uganda, raising concern about cross-border spread.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says he is worried about how fast the disease is moving and has called for stronger efforts to control it. Health expert Dr Anne Ancia told the BBC that new findings show the virus has reached more areas than first recorded.

She said the main outbreak area in Ituri province is difficult to work in because of insecurity and frequent movement of people. She added that the infection has now been seen in other provinces, including South Kivu, and in the city of Goma.

Health workers say the disease may have been spreading for weeks before it was detected in April. They also warn that weak tracking systems may have allowed more cases to go unnoticed.

Several countries in the region have tightened border checks and increased health screening. Uganda has advised people to avoid physical contact, while Rwanda has restricted movement across its border with DR Congo.

Reports also say some foreign nationals exposed to the virus are being moved for treatment abroad as health agencies try to limit further spread.

Ebola spreads through contact with infected body fluids. It begins with fever and tiredness before becoming more severe and sometimes fatal. The current outbreak is linked to a rare strain with no approved vaccine yet.

Ademide Adebayo