Ebola outbreak in Congo kills nearly 1,000 people as number of cases rises to 2,473

At least 999 people have died in the ongoing Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo, according to official data released Wednesday, with the actual toll likely higher as authorities continue to track cases and deaths.Deaths were recorded among 2,473 confirmed cases of Ebola as of July 20, according to the Congolese Ministry of Health.The outbreak in eastern Congo was declared on May 15, and differs from most previous Ebola outbreaks because it is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, for which there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments.The outbreak has killed people at a faster rate than any previous Ebola outbreak ever. The 2013-2016 outbreak in West Africa — the deadliest on record, with more than 11,000 deaths out of more than 28,000 cases — took about eight months to reach 1,000 deaths.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.Insurgent violence and misinformation hamper the responseThe response in eastern Congo has been hampered by security concerns, particularly in Ituri Province, the worst affected area.

Five provinces reported cases in the region, as rebel violence complicated efforts to contain the outbreak.Authorities said at least 12 attacks, largely driven by misinformation and mistrust, have targeted health facilities and response teams since the outbreak was declared in May. Many health workers also stopped working due to non-payment of their wages, while at least 36 infected health workers died.The World Health Organization has warned that about 80% of new Ebola cases are identified through unknown chains of transmission, suggesting the outbreak is spreading faster than health officials can track it despite the expanded response.