Confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have reached 1,003, including 254 deaths. The outbreak in eastern Congo is one of the world’s fastest-growing, and authorities report that tracing those who have been in contact with patients remains a major challenge.
The outbreak was caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus, for which there are currently no vaccines or treatments available.
Health workers have been severely impacted, with at least 78 becoming ill and 18 dying during the epidemic. Many workers are becoming infected before anyone realizes they are treating the deadly virus, exposing a dangerous weakness in the efforts to contain the spread.