Congo says the death toll in fastest-growing Ebola outbreak has passed 1,500
The Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo has surpassed 1,500 deaths, with cases increasing by 50% in just one week. Health officials are struggling with contact tracing due to regional armed conflict and displacement.
Why it matters
The rapid acceleration of the outbreak and the lack of approved vaccines for the specific virus strain pose a significant public health threat.
BUNIA, Congo -- The fastest-growing Ebola outbreak has killed more than 1,500 people in eastern Congo, official data released on Thursday showed, marking a 50% increase in around a week that shows the emergency continuing to outpace response efforts.
As of Tuesday, 3,442 cases had been recorded, with 1,521 deaths, according to the latest government update.
The outbreak, which was declared on May 15, has been linked to the Bundibugyo virus , for which there are no approved vaccines or treatments.
There are currently 797 patients in isolation or hospitalized, while a further 615 patients have recovered, the data showed. Contact tracing continues to lag, with only around 78% of known contacts monitored nationwide, well below the 95% target health officials say is needed to interrupt transmission.
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