WHO Indicates DR Congo Ebola Outbreak May Be Up to Four Times Larger Than Reported

The World Health Organization has stated that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo could be significantly larger than official records indicate. According to the DRC’s most recent data, the disease has infected over 1,960 individuals and caused more than 700 deaths within two months of its detection.

WHO emergencies director Chikwe Ihekweazu emphasized that modeling suggests the actual number of cases is “at least two to four times the number identified,” highlighting the outbreak’s rapid spread and severity.

This situation ranks as one of the largest Ebola outbreaks in history, with the virus exhibiting unprecedented transmission rates.

Declared on May 15 following initial cases in Ituri—a mineral-rich northeastern province affected by armed groups—the outbreak has since spread to five DRC provinces and neighboring Uganda. Over 90% of confirmed cases remain concentrated in Ituri, according to Ihekweazu.

Following a recent visit to the region, the official described the crisis as “deeply concerning.”

“The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which no vaccine or treatment exists, continues to outpace response efforts by local authorities, international partners including WHO, and affected communities,” Ihekweazu noted.

“A particularly alarming development is that many newly reported cases involve individuals who died in their communities without accessing medical care,” he added.

“However, there are positive signs,” he said. “Treatment capacity now exceeds 700 beds and is increasing weekly; laboratory capabilities have expanded significantly, and contact tracing rates are nearing 80 percent.”

“In recent days, we’ve observed some of the highest daily infection counts,” he explained, noting that “over 80 cases were confirmed in a single day recently.” While this represents a concerning number, he clarified that “it is actually positive news, indicating improved detection rather than uncontrolled spread.”

(FRANCE 24 in collaboration with AFP)

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