The ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has become the deadliest in the country’s history, with the death toll reaching 2,325, according to government data released on Sunday.

The latest figures show that confirmed cases have climbed to 4,945, including 101 new cases recorded in the previous 24 hours. The outbreak has now surpassed the 2,299 deaths reported during Congo’s 2018-2020 Ebola epidemic, which was previously the country’s worst outbreak.

The current outbreak, Congo’s 17th, was declared on May 15 and had already become the country’s largest in terms of confirmed cases by late July.

Health authorities say the outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, for which there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments. The case fatality ratio has risen sharply from around 20% in early June to 46%, meaning nearly half of confirmed patients have died.

Health experts, however, say the rising fatality rate does not necessarily mean the virus has become more dangerous. Instead, they point to weak surveillance, delayed detection, and limited access to medical care.

The outbreak has been further complicated by fragile healthcare infrastructure, community resistance, and instability in affected areas. Experimental vaccines and therapies are being assessed, while international health agencies continue efforts to contain the disease.