WHO warns DRC Ebola cases may be double official tally as doctors threaten strike

The World Health Organization has warned the true number of Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is likely two to four times the official count of 1,963.

WHO Executive Director Chikwe Ihekweazu said modelling suggests the outbreak is at least 2–4 times the number of confirmed cases.

Healthcare workers at an Ebola treatment centre in Rwampara burned a tyre and blocked access routes to protest unpaid salaries.

Doctors at the centre said they would go on a total strike if salaries and bonuses are not paid within 48 hours.

Congolese Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba acknowledged payment delays and blamed an "organisational issue."

What happened since

July 15, 2026 at 12:57 PM

DRC Ebola cases top 2,000 as healthcare workers strike over unpaid wages

The number of confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reached 2,011, including 754 deaths, while healthcare workers in the outbreak epicentre have begun a strike.

The outbreak, which started on May 15, has been caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, for which no vaccine or treatment exists.
Healthcare workers at Bunia General Hospital in Ituri province began a strike on Wednesday over unpaid wages, blocking the hospital entrance.
The World Health Organization warned that the official death toll may be two to four times higher than the recorded figure.
WHO Director-General Tedros announced the launch of the first clinical trial of an antiviral drug to prevent infection after exposure to the Bundibugyo virus.

Latest developments

Jul 15 — The health ministry described the outbreak as the fastest ever recorded.
Jul 15 — The health ministry reported that 753 people remain in isolation or hospital and 366 have recovered since the outbreak began on May 15.