World's fastest-moving Ebola outbreak passes 1,000 deaths in DR Congo
An Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo strain has killed nearly 1,000 people in DR Congo and Uganda combined, spreading faster than any Ebola outbreak on record. Health officials say the response is still struggling to catch up.
An Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo strain has passed 1,000 combined deaths in DR Congo and Uganda, reaching that toll faster than any Ebola outbreak on record, including the deadliest 2013-2016 West Africa outbreak. Over 2,473 cases have been recorded since the outbreak was declared in Ituri province on May 15, with 737 patients currently hospitalized. There is still no approved vaccine or treatment for this strain. The World Health Organization and Africa CDC warn the response remains behind the virus, with Africa CDC's director general calling it an alarming escalation that could become the worst outbreak ever documented without faster mobilization.