Congo Ebola Outbreak Reaches Nearly 2,000 Cases and 700 Deaths Since Mid-May

The Democratic Republic of Congo is facing an Ebola outbreak that has infected 1,926 people and killed 702 across three provinces as of Monday, according to Congolese authorities. The World Health Organization stated on Tuesday that the true number of cases is at least double and possibly four times the official tally.

Official figures show nearly 2,000 infections since mid-May from the Bundibugyo strain.

The Africa Centre for Disease Control stated last week that the outbreak is the fastest-growing on the continent. Cases have been confirmed in neighboring Uganda. Chikwe Ihekweazu, the WHO emergencies chief, said after returning from Bunia in Ituri province that 80 percent of new cases fall outside contact lists and come from unknown chains of transmission.

Many newly reported deaths involve people who died in their communities without reaching a health facility. Treatment capacity in Bunia has reached nearly 800 beds and is increasing weekly. Lab capacity there has grown from one to 14 facilities.

Clinical trials for treatment began last week. Congolese authorities declared the outbreak on May 15 after undetected transmission for weeks. Dozens of workers at an Ebola treatment center in northeast Congo went on strike Monday over unpaid salaries and bonuses.

Last week the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that a U.S. citizen working for a humanitarian organization in Congo tested positive for the virus.