DRC Ebola outbreak surpasses 2,000 cases as health workers strike

KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo — The Democratic Republic of Congo's health ministry reported more than 2,000 Ebola cases and 754 deaths, describing the outbreak as the fastest-spreading in the country's history. According to ministry data, 753 patients are currently in isolation or receiving treatment, while 366 people have recovered. The health crisis has been compounded by a strike at Bonne Hospital, where health workers walked off the job to protest delayed pay, joining walkouts in other areas heavily affected by the outbreak. Protesters blocked the hospital entrance, saying they had not been paid despite working in high-risk conditions to combat Ebola. The ministry said contact tracing remains a major challenge, with the follow-up rate for people who had contact with infected individuals not exceeding 67%. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain that emerged on May 15, is spreading faster than health authorities can respond, the ministry added. The World Health Organization said at least 80% of new cases are linked to unknown transmission chains, complicating efforts to contain the outbreak. No further details on additional response measures were immediately available.