The number of Ebola cases in Congo exceeds 2,000, and the death toll surges the fastest, with 754 people dying

According to the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the number of confirmed cases of Ebola has exceeded 2,000, with 754 deaths. The outbreak, driven by a rare Bundibugyo strain, has become the fastest growing on record, with health authorities warning it is spreading faster than efforts to contain it.According to the Associated Press, data released by the government overnight showed that 2,011 people have been confirmed to be infected, 753 people are currently in isolation or receiving hospital treatment, and 366 people have recovered.The outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus, was officially declared an outbreak on May 15 after weeks of undetected transmission, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).Previously, the World Health Organization said at least 80% of new infections come from unknown transmission chains, making it increasingly difficult for health authorities to control the disease. According to the Ministry of Health, contact tracing coverage currently stands at 67%.Congolese health authorities say suspected Ebola cases are now being reported in Chopo and Haut-Uélé provinces, suggesting the virus has spread beyond its initial epicenter in Ituri.The response remains under pressure, with health officials citing funding shortages, attacks on medical facilities and ongoing conflict in eastern Congo as major obstacles to containing the outbreak.However, hope lies in new treatment trials. Clinical trials of potential treatments for the rare strain of Bundibugyo began earlier this month, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment.