THE Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing its worst Ebola outbreak ever, with 7,022 cases recorded since the epidemic began.

According to the latest figures from Congolese authorities, 3,398 people have died, while 1,671 have recovered.

The outbreak was officially detected in mid-May after the virus was believed to have been spreading for weeks. It started in Ituri Province before spreading to other conflict-affected areas where healthcare services are limited.

Earlier this week, Ebola was confirmed in South-Ubangi, making it the seventh province affected. The province borders the Central African Republic and Congo-Brazzaville.

Most cases have been recorded in Ituri, where Ebola has also been detected in schools following the return of students from the summer holiday.

Health officials have introduced measures such as regular handwashing, limiting classrooms to 30 pupils and warning children to avoid physical contact.

Ebola spreads through contact with infected bodily fluids and can cause severe bleeding and organ failure. The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment.