Congo Ebola death toll tops 2,000 as outbreak becomes fastest spreading on record

August 11, 2026 / 5:01 AM EDT

/ CBS/AP

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Bunia, Congo — At least 2,000 people have died among the confirmed cases in Congo's Ebola outbreak that is the fastest spreading on record, according to the latest government data, as health authorities struggle to get help quickly to remote localities due to rebel conflict, bad roads and work stoppages over payment issues.Data published overnight into Tuesday showed the outbreak has recorded a total of 4,381 confirmed cases, including 2,011 deaths.The grim toll comes nearly three months since the outbreak was declared on May 15. While it took about nine weeks for the outbreak to record 1,000 deaths, it's taken just around three weeks to record the additional 1,000 deaths, showing how fast the health crisis is moving beyond the control of responders.

Health workers in protective gear wave inside an Ebola treatment center in Bunia, Congo, on August 10, 2026.