The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak has recorded more than 4,000 deaths. Health ministry figures released on October 2 show 4,018 deaths among 8,300 confirmed cases. It is the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record.

The outbreak was announced on May 15. It is caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus. There is no known treatment or vaccine for this strain, officials said.

The World Health Organization has raised the alarm over the rapid spread into new health zones. Limited resources are being stretched. The Africa CDC said confirmed cases appear to be falling. It cautioned this could reflect insecurity and poor community cooperation in hotspots.

This is Congo’s 17th Ebola outbreak. Widespread mistrust of health workers has hampered the response. Some residents dismiss Ebola as a hoax, officials said.

A local politician, Marie-Celestin Karondwa, was beaten to death this week. He had defended government measures in Butembo, an Ebola hotspot in North Kivu province. His house was set on fire.

Authorities launched a village-centered approach last month. International support is growing. France allocated 13.4 million euros. The United States released an additional 267 million dollars.