DR Congo Ebola death toll passes 4,400 in record-breaking outbreak

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is the fastest-growing on record, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

The outbreak began in May and has caused 9,144 confirmed cases and 4,410 deaths, according to figures the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control published on Wednesday.

Caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, it is now the largest and deadliest Ebola outbreak in the country’s history.

Health authorities say the outbreak is hard to contain because ongoing violence is limiting access to some areas, many people have fled their homes, and it’s difficult to track down those who may have been exposed to the virus.