Health workers at an Ebola treatment center in eastern Congo have gone on strike, demanding unpaid bonuses, which has disrupted patient care during a rapidly growing outbreak.The number of confirmed Ebola cases in the country has reached 2,973, with 1,309 deaths, according to government data.The Elikya Ebola Treatment Center in Bunia, Ituri province, halted operations as doctors, nurses, and security staff stopped work.Striking workers cited unpaid bonuses as a morale issue and a barrier to effective care.

Prime Minister Judith Suminwa visited the region to assess the outbreak response, and officials stated that payment issues are being resolved through mobile money transfers.

The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, has been ongoing since May 15, with challenges including identifying patient zero, displacement due to conflict and illegal mining, and a lack of approved vaccines.

The World Health Organization notes the outbreak's spread is limited by the need for direct contact transmission, but the situation remains critical with over 100 healthcare workers infected.The strike at Bunia General Hospital earlier this week highlights ongoing payment disputes affecting healthcare workers.Despite efforts, the outbreak continues to spread faster than officials can track, complicating containment efforts.