Congo Ebola Death Toll Tops 2,000

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Ebola deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo have surpassed 2,000, the country’s government said Tuesday, in what is being described as the fastest-spreading Ebola outbreak on record.

There are now 4,381 confirmed cases, including 2,011 deaths, since the outbreak was officially declared in May, Reuters and The Associated Press reported, citing a government report. For comparison, it took the 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak in West Africa — the worst in history — nearly five months to hit half of that death toll after it was declared.

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Health officials have blamed delayed detection, local violence and insecurity, and strained health services for the virus spreading more rapidly than previous outbreaks. There are currently no approved vaccines or treatments for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola.

Many patients are also seeking treatment too late, with 60% to 70% of patients dying at home, the World Health Organization’s director for Africa said on Monday.

“The Bundibugyo virus continues to outpace us,” said Dr. Mohamed Janabi at a press conference.

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