The Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has killed more than 1,500 people, according to government figures, making it the fastest-growing outbreak recorded. The sharp rise in deaths indicates that transmission is outpacing efforts to contain it, while insecurity, displacement and mistrust of health measures are impeding the response.

By Tuesday, authorities had recorded 3,442 cases and 1,521 deaths since the outbreak was declared on 15 May; 797 people were isolated or hospitalised and 615 had recovered. Nearly 90% of cases are in remote Ituri province, although infections have been confirmed in five provinces, including Kisangani; only about 78% of known contacts are being monitored, below the 95% target. The Bundibugyo strain involved has no approved vaccine or treatment, and attacks on health facilities have prompted some aid organisations to withdraw temporarily.