WHO says DRC Ebola outbreak could be four times larger than official count

The World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Tuesday that the actual number of Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) could be at least twice, and possibly up to four times, the figures reported by local authorities. The official tally, which is based on confirmed cases, lists nearly 2,000 infections since mid‑May.

WHO officials said that under‑reporting and limited testing capacity in remote regions may account for the discrepancy. They urged the DRC government to expand surveillance, enhance contact tracing, and increase the availability of diagnostic tools to better capture the true scope of the outbreak. The agency also called for continued international support to strengthen the country’s response efforts.

The potential underestimation of cases underscores the need for heightened vigilance and resources in the DRC’s ongoing Ebola response, as the country works to contain the spread and protect vulnerable communities.