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Red Cross volunteers succumb to Ebola in DR Congo
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) confirmed on Sunday that three volunteers contracted and died from suspected Ebola while working in the eastern region of Ituri, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Timeline of infection and deaths
Alikana Udumusi Augustin, Sezabo Katanabo, and Ajiko Chandiru Viviane are believed to have been exposed to the virus on 27 March while managing dead bodies in Mongwalu, a town now identified as the epicentre of the outbreak. The volunteers were part of a project unrelated to Ebola before the outbreak was officially recognized. They passed away between 5 and 16 May.
"They served their communities with courage and humanity," the IFRC stated.
Ebola outbreak details and risks
The current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a rare species with no proven vaccine. This strain has a fatality rate of approximately one-third of those infected. Over 200 suspected deaths and more than 850 suspected cases have been reported so far.
Health experts emphasize that the bodies of Ebola victims remain highly infectious due to bodily fluids, posing significant risks for transmission.
WHO raises risk assessment
The World Health Organization (WHO) elevated the public health risk from the virus in DR Congo from "high" to "very high" on Friday. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that the risk to the wider African region is high, though it remains low globally.
Regional concerns
Uganda confirmed three new cases on Saturday, raising its total infections to five. The African Centres for Disease Control has warned that ten other African countries are at risk: Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Zambia.
Government measures to curb spread
DR Congo has suspended all commercial and private flights to and from Bunia, the provincial capital of Ituri, to prevent cross-border transmission. Only humanitarian, medical, or emergency flights will be permitted with special approval from aviation and health authorities.
Local media reported additional measures imposed by the province's military governor, including a ban on gatherings of more than 50 people and the suspension of funeral wakes. Burials are now restricted to "safe and dignified" burial teams only.
Community tensions and challenges
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reported that a tent provided for the Ebola response in Mongwalu was set ablaze on Friday. This incident followed an earlier event where an angry crowd set part of a hospital on fire after being prevented from taking the body of a suspected Ebola victim for burial.
"Understandably, there are still many uncertainties and fears among the community in this rapidly evolving context. This incident highlights just how critical sustained community engagement and trust building are," MSF stated.
Ongoing conflict complicates response
Cases have been detected not only in Ituri but also in North and South Kivu regions. Parts of these eastern areas are controlled by the rebel group M23, whose clashes with government forces have added layers of complexity to managing the outbreak.
