Deadliest Ebola outbreak in DR Congo history kills more than 2,300

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has become the deadliest in the country's history, killing 2,325 people, according to government data released on Sunday.

DR Congo's public health institute reported 4,945 confirmed cases, including 101 detected in the previous 24 hours.

The death toll has now surpassed the 2,299 fatalities recorded during the country's 2018-2020 outbreak, previously its worst. The current outbreak, declared on May 15, is DR Congo's 17th.

It is caused by the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, for which there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments while experimental vaccines and therapies are being evaluated.

Government figures show the case fatality ratio has risen from around 20 percent in early June to 46 percent, meaning nearly half of confirmed cases have resulted in death.

Experts say the increase does not necessarily mean the virus has become more deadly, but instead reflects problems with surveillance and access to treatment.

“Instead, we’re still seeing many cases detected very late, when treatment is less likely to succeed, with many identified only after they die in the community,” public health specialist Thomas Parisch said.

The outbreak also spread to neighbouring Uganda, which recorded 20 confirmed cases and two deaths before declaring its outbreak over last month.