Ebola Crisis Intensifies with Attacks on Treatment Centers in Congo

In eastern Congo, a hospital treating Ebola patients was overtaken by young men on Sunday, causing medical staff to urgently evacuate patients amid gunfire. Dr. Richard Lokudu, medical director of Mongbwalu General Hospital, described an attack where aggressors demanded the return of two deceased relatives’ bodies. The attack has heightened fears as healthcare facilities struggle against resource shortages to manage suspected Ebola cases.

This incident marks the third attack on health centers within a week. The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, emphasizing the contagious nature of Ebola victims’ bodies, which can lead to further spread during funerals.

As part of efforts to contain the virus, Congolese authorities have limited funeral activities and gatherings of over 50 people in northeastern Congo. Despite this, protests from families have occurred. Recent violence included the burning of a tent set up by Doctors Without Borders for Ebola cases in Mongbwalu, leading to 18 patients escaping, their whereabouts currently unknown.

Similarly, a treatment center in Rwampara was attacked as relatives were denied access to reclaim a suspected Ebola victim’s body. The WHO has increased Congo’s outbreak risk status to “very high” although the global threat remains low.

On Sunday, the Ministry of Communication reported a surge to 904 suspected Ebola cases, primarily in Ituri Province, contradicting earlier figures of 700 cases. They also noted discrepancies in reported death tolls, indicating challenges with accurate reporting and analysis.

The outbreak includes the Bundibugyo virus, for which no vaccine exists. This strain went undetected for weeks in Ituri, leading to an increase in infections before confirmed deaths surfaced in Bunia.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies stated three volunteers possibly contracted Ebola in Mongbwalu during non-related missions. If confirmed, this incident would extend the known timeline of the outbreak.

Reporter Pronczuk contributed from Dakar, Senegal.