Jun 06, Kathmandu - The Ebola pandemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo is taking a serious turn.

According to the latest analysis released by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of infected people could exceed 20,000 within the next three months if timely identification and isolation of infected people is not effective.

According to the center, there is a 65 percent chance that the number of infected people will exceed 20,000 if the current weak control situation continues.

Experts have said that quickly identifying Ebola infected people and isolating them in treatment centers is the most effective way to control the epidemic.

However, limited access to health services in the affected areas, lack of manpower and insecurity are making it difficult to determine the actual number of infected people.

Satish Pillai, a senior official involved in the Ebola control campaign, said that the true status of the infection is not yet fully clear.

According to him, there are signs that the number of infected people who need treatment and isolation may be higher than expected. He noted that the current situation on the ground shows that the isolation of infected people is not effective enough.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization and the African Union's public health agency have said that $518 million is needed over the next six months to control the Ebola outbreak in Congo and neighboring countries.

The money will be spent on treatment, surveillance, vaccination campaigns, public awareness raising and strengthening health security in border areas.

The outbreak was officially declared in the northeastern region of Congo on May 15. However, health officials believe that the rare Bandibugyo strain of Ebola virus has been spreading in the community for some time before the declaration.

According to the latest figures, 381 people have been confirmed infected in Congo so far. Of these, 64 have died.

The infection has spread mainly in three provinces, of which Ituri province has been the most affected. About 90 percent of the total infected and 76 percent of the deaths have been in Ituri province.

The infection has also begun to spread in neighboring Uganda. So far, 16 people have been confirmed infected there and one person has died. However, seven people in Congo and two in Uganda have fully recovered after treatment.

Health officials have warned that the epidemic is still at risk of spiraling out of control and have appealed for help from the international community to make tracing cases, monitoring contacts, expanding treatment services and public awareness programs more effective.