Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo claims over 4,000 lives

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has killed more than 4,000 people, according to the Ministry of Health. This meant that almost half of those confirmed to be ill died. The outbreak is considered the fastest-spreading in history.

The Central African country reported the outbreak in mid-May. It is caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus. There is no known treatment or vaccine. The World Health Organization recently warned of a rapid spread to other health districts, which would put additional strain on limited resources.

The African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported falling case numbers: around 850 confirmed infections and 470 deaths were registered weekly in mid-July, and an average of 490 infections and 230 deaths in September. According to the organization, the decline could also be related to the security situation and difficulties in working with residents in particularly affected areas. In some regions the spread is slowing down, in others it is accelerating.