WHO says DR Congo Ebola cases could be twice official count

The United Nations health agency has warned that the number of cases in the current outbreak is likely being underreported, citing gaps in surveillance and limited testing capacity in the affected region. Preliminary data suggest that actual infection rates could be significantly higher than official figures, prompting calls for increased transparency and international assistance to bolster diagnostic infrastructure and data collection.

At the outbreak’s epicentre, physicians have announced plans to strike unless working conditions and protective equipment are improved, arguing that inadequate resources jeopardize both staff safety and patient care. Health officials say the dispute could further strain an already overwhelmed system, potentially slowing response efforts and exacerbating the spread of the disease. Authorities are reportedly negotiating with medical representatives to reach a resolution that would maintain essential services while addressing the clinicians’ concerns.