Congo's Ebola outbreak has surpassed 2,000 confirmed cases, with 2,011 infections and 754 deaths, according to government data released overnight, marking what authorities describe as the fastest-growing outbreak on record.

Health workers at Bunia General Hospital, the region's largest medical facility, went on strike Wednesday over unpaid wages, joining other frontline workers protesting compensation despite working under difficult conditions. Staff barricaded the hospital entrance, while the World Health Organization (WHO) said more than 100 healthcare workers have been infected since the outbreak began on May 15.

Ebola treatment workers strike in DR Congo over unpaid wages amid worsening outbreak

The Health Ministry said 753 patients remain in isolation or hospital care, while 366 have recovered. Contact tracing remains limited, reaching only 67% of exposed individuals.

WHO said about 80% of new infections are linked to unknown transmission chains, while authorities have yet to identify the outbreak's first patient. Conflict-driven displacement and mining-related movement have further complicated efforts to trace contacts.

WHO emergencies chief Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, said many recent deaths occurred in communities before patients could reach health facilities.

The response has also been hindered by funding shortages, attacks on health centres, insecurity, community mistrust and the absence of approved vaccines or treatments for the Bundibugyo strain. A clinical trial of two potential Ebola treatments has recently begun in Ituri province.