More than 5,000 people have already died from Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since the latest outbreak of the virus was detected, 5,026 deaths have been confirmed and the number of infections has risen to 10,351, with 1,101 people currently being treated or quarantined, local authorities said. Another 2,788 people who were previously infected with the disease have recovered. Experts believe the actual death toll could be higher because the virus may have been spreading undetected since February - before the outbreak was officially declared on May 15. Caused by the Bondibugyo strain, the disease is spreading rapidly in the DRC. Cases of the disease have also been reported in other countries in the region. The virus spreads easily and can remain undetected for a long time because some of its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. Ebola is transmitted by direct contact with the body fluids of infected people and can cause severe hemorrhagic fever.

More than 5,000 people have already died from Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since the latest outbreak of the virus was detected, 5,026 deaths have been confirmed and the number of infections has risen to 10,351, with 1,101 people currently being treated or quarantined, local authorities said. Another 2,788 people who were previously infected with the disease have recovered. Experts believe the actual death toll could be higher because the virus may have been spreading undetected since February - before the outbreak was officially declared on May 15. Caused by the Bondibugyo strain, the disease is spreading rapidly in the DRC. Cases of the disease have also been reported in other countries in the region. The virus spreads easily and can remain undetected for a long time because some of its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. Ebola is transmitted by direct contact with the body fluids of infected people and can cause severe hemorrhagic fever.