Ebola cases in Congo surpass 2,000 as government reports 754 deaths
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has surpassed 2,000 cases and 750 deaths, with health workers at the epicenter striking over unpaid wages. The WHO reports that the virus is spreading rapidly, with many new cases emerging from unknown transmission chains.
Why it matters
The combination of an active conflict zone, lack of resources, and labor disputes among medical staff significantly hampers efforts to contain a deadly viral outbreak.
Health workers at Bunia General Hospital, the region's largest medical centre, went on strike on Wednesday and are the latest group to have walked off their job at the epicentre over payment issues. Health professionals and other front-line workers barricaded the entrance of the hospital, claiming they have not received any compensation despite working under difficult conditions.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says more than 100 health-care workers have been infected since the beginning of the outbreak.
The Central African nation has been battling the Ebola outbreak caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus since May 15. A total of 753 patients remain in isolation or in hospitals, while 366 have so far recovered, according to data from Congo's Ministry of Health.
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