The Ebola outbreak spreading through Central Africa has become the deadliest in history, with the death toll surpassing 2,000, according to health data released Sunday.
Government data showed that 2,325 people have died in the outbreak, surpassing the 2,299 deaths recorded during the 2018-2020 outbreak, which had been the country’s deadliest.
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The latest report also confirmed 4,945 total cases, including 101 new infections detected over the previous 24 hours.
The outbreak was already the country’s fastest-growing Ebola epidemic. The virus circulating in Congo is a genetically distinct variant of the rare Bundibugyo ebolavirus and is currently doubling in size roughly every 20 days, according to Tom Fletcher, the U.N.’s under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator.
The share of infected people who die has also risen, according to the recent report. In early June, about 20% who contracted the virus died. Now, 46% of cases are fatal.
Health officials have said a number of vaccines and treatments are being evaluated, but evidence is so far limited to animal studies.
Health officials also believe the outbreak, which was initially declared on May 15, began months earlier, possibly in February, based on genetic sequencing.
Bundibugyo has no approved vaccines or treatments. Congo’s limited health infrastructure and access to medical care and technology further complicate treatment and containment, according to U.S. health officials. Medical professionals are also contracting the virus due to shortages of personal protective equipment.
The virus risks spreading further into Central Africa due to frequent population movement and cross-border travel. Cases in Uganda have already been linked to the Congo outbreak.
