The true number of Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is likely at least double the official tally, according to a World Health Organization (WHO) official. The WHO has confirmed at least 1,963 cases, with at least 719 deaths.

Speaking after visiting the region, Chikwe Ihekweazu, Executive Director of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme, said most deaths occurred in family settings rather than medical centers. “We think, with some of our support and modelling, the scale of the outbreak is at least 2-4 times the number of cases we are finding,” he told reporters in Geneva.

As of July 12, 727 patients were being treated in Ebola treatment centers. Experts say this is the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak ever recorded on the continent.

Efforts to contain the outbreak face growing challenges as doctors and health workers threatened to strike over unpaid salaries. At the Rwampara treatment center in Ituri province, healthcare workers burned a tire in protest and temporarily blocked access routes.

DRC Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba acknowledged “payment delays” and blamed an “organizational issue.” He said the government is verifying payroll lists after unauthorized names were added.

The DRC declared its 17th Ebola epidemic on May 15. The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, for which there is no vaccine or treatment. International partners have mobilized $1.5 billion to support the health response.

Source: www.aljazeera.com