The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has become the fastest-spreading in the known history of the virus and the largest ever recorded in the country. As of July 30, there have been 3,605 confirmed cases and 1,587 deaths. This outbreak has now overtaken the country's deadliest epidemic to become the second-largest ever in the world.
The virus is currently affecting five provinces in the east of the DRC. Health officials estimate an overall case fatality rate of approximately 45%. Despite an extensive response by health authorities and international partners, infections continue to accelerate.
Health workers are struggling to slow the outbreak, but efforts have been badly hampered by conflict in many affected areas. The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain, which has no approved vaccine or treatment, and a potential vaccine may still be months away.
Officials have declared this the fastest spreading outbreak ever and have warned the world to pay much more attention to the situation.