Congo’s Ebola outbreak has killed at least 930 people, including 37 deaths in just 24 hours, the Health Ministry said Monday.
The deaths were recorded out of the 2,344 cases confirmed as of Saturday, the ministry added, in an outbreak that was declared in eastern Congo on May 15 and is the fastest-growing on record.
The Bundibugyo virus responsible for the outbreak is less common than others that cause Ebola disease and there is no approved vaccine or treatment.
Ebola is highly contagious and can be transmitted to people from wild animals. It spreads in the human population through contact with bodily fluids such as vomit, blood or semen, and with contaminated surfaces and materials such as bedding and clothing. The disease is rare but severe and often fatal.
The surge in deaths comes as safety fears have restricted the response in the worst-affected province of Ituri. A total of five provinces have been affected, all in the eastern region where rebel violence is rampant.
