Congo says death toll in fastest-growing Ebola outbreak has passed 1,500

The fastest-growing Ebola outbreak has killed more than 1,500 people in eastern Congo, AP reported citing official data, marking a 50% increase in around a week that shows the emergency continuing to outpace response efforts.

3,442 cases have been recorded, with 1,521 deaths, according to the latest government update.

The outbreak, which was declared on May 15, has been linked to the Bundibugyo virus, for which there are no approved vaccines or treatments.

There are currently 797 patients in isolation or hospitalized, while a further 615 patients have recovered, the data showed. Contact tracing continues to lag, with only around 78% of known contacts monitored nationwide, well below the 95% target health officials say is needed to interrupt transmission.

Displacement from armed conflict and illegal mining in the region have made it difficult to trace thousands who have come in contact with infected individuals, according to AP.