The death toll from the rapidly spreading Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has risen to 2,011, with 4,381 confirmed cases reported so far.

According to the latest government data, 2,011 of the 4,381 confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have resulted in death. A further 704 patients are currently receiving treatment or remain in isolation.

The outbreak, officially declared on May 15, has been described as the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record in the country. It took around nine weeks for the death toll to reach 1,000, while another 1,000 deaths were recorded in just three weeks, highlighting the rapid spread of the virus and the difficulties facing response teams.

No approved vaccine or treatment

The outbreak is being caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment, increasing concerns over efforts to contain the disease.

The World Health Organization said the outbreak likely began in February, months before health authorities detected the virus in one of the country's remote and vulnerable areas.

The WHO warned that the rapid growth of the outbreak is making containment and response efforts increasingly difficult, particularly in areas with limited access to healthcare.

The current outbreak is the DRC's 17th since Ebola was first identified near the Ebola River in 1976 and is the largest outbreak recorded in the country. (ILKHA)