Congo’s Ebola death toll crosses 2,000 as country battles fastest-growing outbreak

A health worker in protective gear looks on at an Ebola treatment centre. (Photo: AP) Congo's confirmed Ebola death toll has risen to 2,011, with the second 1,000 deaths recorded in about three weeks compared with roughly nine weeks for the first 1,000, as the country battles the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record.The latest government figures put the number of confirmed infections at 4,381 across five provinces, less than three months after authorities declared the outbreak on May 15.According to the Associated Press (AP), 704 patients were admitted and in isolation as health teams continued efforts to contain transmission, including in some of the country's hardest-to-reach areas.Second 1,000 deaths recorded in about three weeksIt took roughly nine weeks after the outbreak was declared for the confirmed death toll to reach 1,000. The next 1,000 deaths were recorded in about three weeks.The virus had been circulating for months before authorities detected the outbreak. The World Health Organization (WHO) said genetic analysis indicated transmission since February, while subsequent research suggests it may have begun as early as January in Ituri province.Some early infections...