ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AFP) — A deadly outbreak of the Ebola virus has been declared in Ituri province in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a region hit by armed conflict, African health authorities said Friday.

Four deaths linked to the virus have been confirmed through laboratory testing, while 246 suspected cases — including 65 deaths — have been recorded, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“Ebola Virus Disease outbreak confirmed in Ituri Province,” Africa CDC said in a statement.