At least 930 people have died in Congo's Ebola outbreak, the country's Ministry of Health confirmed Monday, with 37 new deaths recorded in a 24-hour span from Friday to Saturday. The outbreak, declared on May 15, has now surpassed 2,344 confirmed cases, making it the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record. The Bundibugyo virus, responsible for the outbreak, has no approved vaccine or treatment, complicating containment efforts.
Ebola is highly contagious, spreading through contact with bodily fluids such as vomit, blood, or semen, as well as contaminated surfaces. The disease is rare but often fatal. The surge in deaths coincides with safety fears and violence in the worst-affected province of Ituri, where rebel violence is rampant. Five provinces in eastern Congo have been affected.
At least 12 attacks—fueled by skepticism and rumors—have targeted health facilities and teams since mid-May, authorities said. Additionally, health workers have protested lack of payment, further straining response efforts. At least 36 health workers infected with the virus have died.
The World Health Organization (WHO) expressed concerns last week that 80% of new Ebola cases are emerging from unknown chains of transmission, indicating the outbreak is spreading faster than officials can track. The Health Ministry reported that 724 patients are currently in isolation, and response efforts are being intensified in affected health zones.
Since the outbreak began, the data show an average increase of about 272 cases and 111 deaths per week, with weekly increases accelerating.