The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has seen the number of deaths surpass 1,000, with approximately 2,500 confirmed cases. This outbreak, which began in mid-May, has been declared the fastest spreading and fastest fatal surge in the recorded history of the virus. According to WHO figures, the Bundibugyo strain of the virus has caused 999 deaths in the DRC and two in Uganda.
The fatality rate of the current outbreak is far higher than in previous outbreaks, and no vaccines or treatments exist for this new strain. The World Health Organization has warned that the true scale of the outbreak could be two to four times larger than official figures indicate.
Medical professionals are struggling to contain the virus amid militant violence, attacks on clinics, and widespread shortages. Africa's top public health official has warned that the outbreak could become one of the worst on record unless transmission is rapidly brought under control. As a result, experts are calling for more funding to help tackle the crisis.