Congo Ebola outbreak kills 1,700 as response lags
Eastern Congo's Ebola outbreak has killed 1,700 people and is spreading faster than any previous outbreak, while protests by response workers over unpaid salaries disrupt containment efforts.
The short version
Eastern Congo's Ebola outbreak has killed more than 1,700 people and is the fastest-growing on record. Response efforts are being disrupted by protests from workers over unpaid salaries.
Eastern Congo's Ebola outbreak has killed more than 1,700 people.4,2 The outbreak is the fastest-growing on record, according to data.4 Ebola response workers in eastern Congo staged protests this week over unpaid salaries and allowances.3
Workers said their salaries and allowances were nearly three months overdue.3 Security incidents have continued to hamper efforts to contain the outbreak.3 There is uncertainty over when the outbreak might peak.2
The World Health Organization has pleaded for more support to tackle the outbreak.5 The outbreak is described as outpacing response efforts.5 Fear and misinformation are driving pregnant women away from hospitals amid the outbreak.1
Pregnant women avoiding hospitals has turned childbirth into a riskier outcome than the virus itself.1
Why it matters
Ebola is a viral hemorrhagic fever with a high fatality rate, typically spread through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected people or animals.4
Eastern Congo has experienced multiple Ebola outbreaks since the virus was first identified in 1976, with the current one being the deadliest on record.1
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This account was written from the 5 reports listed below, filed by 6 independent outlets, and checked against them line by line. It is not a copy of any one of them. Spotted an error? Tell us.
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