New Delhi, Sept. 2 -- A new academic year began Tuesday across Congo despite concerns by parents and teachers that the ongoing Ebola outbreak poses risks to children in the epicenter.

The resumption of classes comes in the middle of the fastest-growing outbreak of the disease ever, with 2,950 people killed among the 6,100 cases confirmed so far since mid-May.

The union representing teachers in Ituri province, the epicenter of the outbreak, had called for a delay in restarting classes, but the government pressed ahead. UNICEF said it is supporting the authorities to prevent transmissions in schools.

Some schools in Ituri, especially those owned by the government, recorded low turnouts. Authorities in Ituri did not respond to a request f...