Congo’s Ministry of Health reports that at least 930 people have lost their lives in the country’s ongoing Ebola crisis.
According to figures released early Monday, the deaths occurred among 2,344 confirmed cases recorded as of Saturday. In just a single 24-hour period, 37 new deaths were logged — one of the highest one-day totals since the outbreak began.
The outbreak was officially declared in eastern Congo on May 15 and has since become the fastest-spreading Ebola outbreak in recorded history. The strain driving the crisis is the Bundibugyo virus, a less common form of the Ebola disease for which no approved vaccine or treatment currently exists.
The rising death toll is being worsened by serious security concerns that have hampered response efforts in Ituri province, the hardest-hit region. Authorities reported Saturday that at least 12 attacks have been carried out against health facilities and response teams since the outbreak was declared in mid-May.
Adding to the challenge, many health workers have walked off the job to protest not being paid. At least 36 health workers who contracted the virus have died.
The health ministry says 724 patients are currently being held in isolation facilities and hospitals, and officials say they are stepping up efforts in the affected health zones.
