Lead image for Congo Ebola deaths surpass 2,000 as spread shows no sign of slowing.
Democratic Republic of Congo said on Tuesday that confirmed Ebola deaths had reached 2,011, the latest grim milestone in what health officials have described as the fastest-spreading outbreak on record.
The latest data from Congo's public health institute, seen by Reuters, also reported 4,381 confirmed cases across five provinces.
Delayed detection, conflict and strained health services have helped the virus spread more rapidly than in previous outbreaks.
The current outbreak, Congo's 17th, is caused by the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, for which there are no approved vaccines or treatments.
The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak, which has also led to cases in neighbouring Uganda, a public health emergency of international concern.
A study published last month in the journal Science found that transmission may have begun in January or earlier in Ituri province, identifying more than 500 suspected cases between mid-January and May 15.
Shortages of medical supplies and insecurity in affected areas have complicated efforts to trace contacts, isolate patients and curb transmission.
The Congolese government data shows that the current outbreak is dwarfed only by West Africa's 2014 to 2016 Ebola outbreak in which 28,616 cases and 11,310 deaths were recorded across Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, according to the World Health Organization.