The death toll from the Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo has climbed to at least 930, following a surge of 37 fatalities recorded in a single 24-hour period between Friday and Saturday, reports AP.
The country’s Ministry of Health confirmed on Monday that the total number of cases reached 2,344 as of Saturday. Declared on 15 May, this has become the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record. Health officials noted that the current crisis is driven by the Bundibugyo virus, a less common strain for which there is no approved treatment or vaccine.
The highly contagious disease, which is often fatal, can be transmitted from wild animals to humans. It spreads within the population through contact with contaminated materials—such as clothing or bedding—and bodily fluids, including blood, vomit, and semen.
Efforts to contain the virus are being severely hindered by insecurity in the eastern region, where rebel violence remains rampant. Five provinces have been affected so far, with the province of Ituri identified as the worst-hit area.
Response teams have faced significant hostility, with at least 12 recorded attacks on health facilities and personnel since the outbreak began. Authorities attribute much of this violence to local scepticism and the spread of rumours.
The crisis is further compounded by internal labour disputes, as many health workers have walked off the job to protest a lack of payment. The human cost among responders is also rising, with at least 36 health workers having died after contracting the virus.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed grave concern regarding the trajectory of the disease. Last week, the organisation revealed that 80 per cent of new cases are emerging from unknown chains of transmission. This indicates that the virus is spreading more rapidly than health officials can track, despite efforts to expand the response.
In its latest update, their Ministry of Health stated that 724 patients are currently being treated in hospitals or kept in isolation. While the ministry is intensifying its response in affected health zones, it highlighted some progress in patient care, noting that 22 recoveries were recorded within a recent 24-hour window.
