Congo Ebola death toll reaches at least 930, health ministry says

At least 930 people have died in Congo’s Ebola outbreak, the country’s Health Ministry said Monday, a toll that shows the scale of a fast-moving health emergency in the east. The ministry said 37 deaths were recorded from Friday into Saturday, among the highest one-day totals reported in the outbreak.

The deaths came from 2,344 confirmed cases counted as of Saturday, according to the ministry. The outbreak was declared on May 15 in eastern Congo, where health teams are working in areas affected by rebel violence and community mistrust.

The Associated Press reported that the outbreak is the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record. It is being driven by the Bundibugyo virus, a less common Ebola-causing virus for which there is no approved vaccine or treatment, according to the AP.

Ebola can spread to humans from wild animals and then move between people through contact with bodily fluids, including blood, vomit and semen, according to health authorities cited by the AP. The virus also can spread through contaminated materials such as bedding and clothing. The disease is rare, severe and often fatal.

Violence and mistrust complicate the response

The latest rise in deaths comes as security concerns have limited response work in Ituri, the worst-hit province, according to authorities cited by the AP. The outbreak has affected five provinces, all in eastern Congo, where rebel violence remains widespread.

Authorities said Saturday that at least 12 attacks on health facilities and response teams have been recorded since the outbreak was declared in mid-May. They said many of the attacks were linked to rumors and skepticism about the disease and the response.

Health staffing has also become a problem. Many health workers have stopped working while protesting a lack of pay, according to authorities cited by the AP. At least 36 health workers infected with Ebola have died.

WHO warns of missed transmission chains

The World Health Organization said last week it was concerned that 80% of new Ebola cases were coming from unknown chains of transmission. That pattern suggests the virus is spreading faster than officials can trace it, despite a growing response, according to the WHO.

Congo’s Health Ministry said 724 patients are now in isolation and in hospitals. The ministry said it is increasing response efforts in affected health zones and reported 22 new recoveries over 24 hours.

Health workers have been treating Ebola patients at facilities including the Rwampara Treatment Center in Ituri, according to the AP. The outbreak has also prompted screening efforts in eastern cities including Goma, as officials try to slow transmission across affected areas.

This story draws on original reporting from NPR.