2000 People Die in the Congo From Ebola

CONGO- Congo’s Ebola outbreak has reached a grim milestone, with at least 2,000 people dead amid 4,381 confirmed cases, making it the fastest-growing outbreak on record.

Authorities say the death toll surged far more quickly than during the 2014 to 2016 outbreak, reaching 2,000 just weeks after the first 1,000 deaths were recorded, as conflict, poor roads and work stoppages hamper aid efforts in remote communities.

Ituri, the epicenter of the outbreak, is seeing clinical trials begin for the rare Bundibugyo virus, which, unlike many prior outbreaks, has no approved vaccine or treatment.

Medical expert Dr. Jean-Marie Akandabo says the 2,000-death toll is alarming and is urging a stronger response.

He says this is already the second-largest outbreak in history.