Health workers treat an Ebola patient at the Rwampara Treatment Center in Ituri, Congo, Thursday, June 18, 2026.

Moisés Sawasawa/AP

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Moisés Sawasawa/AP

BUNIA, Congo — At least 930 people have died from the Ebola outbreak in Congo, the country’s Health Ministry said Monday, with 37 new deaths recorded in a 24-hour span between Friday and Saturday, one of the highest totals.

The deaths were among 2,344 confirmed cases as of Saturday, the Health Ministry said.

The Ebola outbreak that broke out in eastern Congo on May 15 is the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak ever recorded. The Bundibugyo virus responsible for the outbreak is less common than others that cause Ebola disease and there is no approved vaccine or treatment.

Ebola is very contagious and can be transmitted to people from wild animals. It spreads among the human population through contact with bodily fluids such as vomit, blood or semen, and with contaminated surfaces and materials such as bedding and clothing. The disease is rare but serious and often fatal.

The rise in deaths comes as security fears have restricted the response in the hardest-hit Ituri province. A total of five provinces have been affected, all of them in the eastern region, where rebel violence is rampant.

At least 12 attacks, mostly fueled by skepticism and rumours, have been reported against health facilities and teams since the outbreak was declared in mid-May, authorities said Saturday. Meanwhile, many health care workers have walked away from their jobs in protest over lack of pay.

At least 36 healthcare workers infected with the virus have died.

Last week, the World Health Organization expressed concern that 80% of new Ebola cases emerged from unknown chains of transmission, a sign that the outbreak is spreading faster than health officials can track despite a growing response.

Congo’s Ministry of Health said in its latest update that 724 patients are currently isolated and in hospitals, and that it is intensifying response efforts in affected health areas.

“Patient care and support capabilities are being consolidated, with 22 new recoveries recorded in 24 hours,” the ministry said.