Record-speed in the spread of Ebola outbreak in Eastern Congo

1,031 deaths have been recorded in the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Eastern Congo, rendering this the fastest Ebola outbreak in history.

The World Health Organisation says the true number of infections could be nearly four times higher than official figures.

WHO emergency director for Africa Marie Roseline Belizaire said there is a huge gap in funding needed to end the outbreak. The WHO requires 115 million US dollars but they have only received 49 million.

Aside from a lack of funding, ongoing conflict in the region, misinformation, and community mistrust of healthcare workers are all worsening the situation.

Officials have warned that 80% of new cases have emerged outside of known chains of transmission.

Ebola is rare, but highly contagious and can be contracted through contact with bodily fluids like vomit, blood, or semen, oftentimes resulting in severe illness or death.