DR Congo: Insecurity and attacks mean Ebola will keep spreading, warns world health agency.

Worsening security in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo marked by attacks on Ebola clinics have made it a 'given' that the deadly virus will spread further, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday.

In Geneva, spokesperson Christian Lindmeier condemned the 'deplorable' targeting of two Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) facilities earlier this week in Katwa and Butembo.

WHO was 'doing everything and talking with everyone' to ensure that the operation to overcome the current Ebola outbreak continues, he insisted.

To date, the agency and its partners have relied on armed protection from UN peacekeepers from the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), to operate in a region that's home to more than 100 non-State armed groups.

'In the light of the recent attacks and enhanced discussion with MONUSCO forces, with local authorities', said Mr. Lindmeier, he said they were working on improving security to ensure that patients and staff were better protected, 'and that everything can be done to get this outbreak under control.'

He added that considering the 'deteriorating' situation, there was nonetheless 'a likelihood of an increase of Ebola cases. That is definitely a given.'

555 lives lost so far to Ebola outbreak

According to the DRC health authorities, the latest outbreak of Ebola which began on 1 August 2018, has claimed 555 lives.

There have been 885 cases of the virus - which is endemic in the vast country, causing high fever, bleeding and death in around 60 per cent of cases - with 820 confirmed infections and 65 probable.

Mr. Lindmeier confirmed that following Wednesday's arson attack on the Butembo facility, four patients had fled and run away while the attack was ongoing. But they 'have not run away' from treatment.

WHO and MSF staff were unhurt but security...