Three Red Cross Volunteers Die from Ebola During Mission in Congo

Three volunteers from the Red Cross have tragically died after contracting the Ebola virus during a mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This humanitarian effort was led by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in March. At the time, the Ebola outbreak was unknown and the community remained unaware of the disease’s presence.

The IFRC confirmed the deceased volunteers as Alikana Udumusi Augustin, Sezabo Katanabo, and Ajiko Chandiru Viviane. Viviane passed away on May 5, Katanabo on May 15, and Augustin on May 16. These individuals are among the first recorded victims affected by this outbreak.

During the mission, the volunteers were engaged in activities related to managing deceased bodies. Although their work was not specifically related to Ebola, they contracted the virus during these operations on March 27. The volunteers were associated with Congo’s Red Cross society in the Mongbwalu branch, located in Djugu territory within the Ituri province.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to their families, loved ones, fellow volunteers and colleagues,” expressed the organization. “These volunteers lost their lives while serving their communities with courage and humanity.”

Further efforts to counter the outbreak have been initiated. Health workers, equipped with protective gear, are currently disinfecting areas designated for Ebola patients at the General Referral Hospital of Mongbwalu.

A contagious spread has reached Uganda, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare an international public health emergency. As of Thursday, a total of 746 suspected cases have been reported in Congo, resulting in 176 deaths. Among these, there are 88 confirmed cases, including 10 fatalities. One of these deaths occurred in Uganda.

An American surgeon was among those who contracted the virus in Congo and has since been relocated to Germany for medical attention. Uganda reported two cases as of Thursday, but the count has increased to five by Sunday according to Uganda’s Ministry of Health.

The newly confirmed Ugandan cases include a driver who transported the nation’s first case, a health worker exposed while tending to the initial patient, and a Congolese woman who entered Uganda displaying mild symptoms. All affected individuals are receiving medical treatment.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed concern over the outbreak, noting ongoing challenges such as violence and insecurity that hinder the response efforts. Surveillance and laboratory tests are evolving to address the situation.

International aid and personnel have been dispatched to Congo, supported by organizations such as WHO, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Doctors Without Borders, and the U.S. State Department, offering $23 million in foreign assistance.

The outbreak is attributed to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which causes hemorrhagic fever with no approved vaccines or treatments available. In response to the outbreak, the CDC has issued a measure barring entry to foreign nationals from Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan entering the U.S. within a 21-day timeframe.

There have been no suspected or confirmed cases in the U.S. from this current outbreak according to the CDC guidelines, allowing U.S. citizens and permanent residents entry through Washington-Dulles or Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airports for enhanced screening.