At least 999 people have died in an ongoing Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo, according to official data released on Wednesday, with the actual toll potentially higher as authorities continue to track cases and fatalities.The deaths were recorded among 2,473 confirmed Ebola cases as of July 20, according to Congo’s health ministry.Declared on May 15, the outbreak in eastern Congo is unlike most previous Ebola outbreaks because it is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, for which no approved vaccines or treatments currently exist.The outbreak has killed people at a faster rate than any previous Ebola outbreak on record. The 2013-2016 West Africa outbreak — the deadliest outbreak of the disease ever recorded, with more than 11,000 deaths from over 28,000 cases — took about eight months to reach 1,000 fatalities.Ebola is a rare but highly contagious disease that spreads through contact with bodily fluids such as blood, vomit and semen, as well as contaminated materials including bedding and clothing. It can also spread from infected animals to humans. The disease is severe and often fatal.Rebel violence, misinformation hamper responseThe response in eastern Congo has been hampered by security concerns, particularly in Ituri province, the worst-affected area. Five provinces have reported cases in the region, where rebel violence has complicated efforts to contain the outbreak.Authorities said at least 12 attacks, largely driven by misinformation and distrust, have targeted health facilities and response teams since the outbreak was declared in May. Several health workers have also stopped working over unpaid wages, while at least 36 infected health workers have died.The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that about 80% of new Ebola cases are being identified from unknown chains of transmission, suggesting the outbreak is spreading faster than health officials can trace despite an expanding response.
