An Ebola treatment facility in eastern Congo has been set on fire for the second time in less than a week, raising concerns over the spread of the deadly virus after 18 suspected patients fled during the incident.
An Ebola treatment facility in eastern Congo has been set on fire for the second time in less than a week, raising concerns over the spread of the deadly virus after 18 suspected patients fled during the incident.
The attack took place in Mongbwalu, a town at the center of the outbreak, where angry residents torched a treatment tent operated by Doctors Without Borders on Friday night. Hospital officials said no injuries were reported, but the fire caused panic among staff and patients, allowing 18 people suspected of having Ebola to escape into the community.
The incident followed a similar attack a day earlier in Rwampara, where a treatment center was burned after relatives were prevented from taking the body of a man believed to have died from Ebola.
Health workers say strict burial procedures remain a major source of tension. Because Ebola victims’ bodies can still spread infection, authorities oversee burials to limit transmission, often prompting resistance from families and local residents.
A mass burial for Ebola victims in Rwampara was conducted under tight security on Saturday after Red Cross teams encountered hostility from members of the community.
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In response to the worsening outbreak, authorities in northeastern Congo have banned funeral vigils and public gatherings exceeding 50 people.
The World Health Organization has upgraded the outbreak’s risk level within Congo to “very high,” although the global risk remains low. Officials say the outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, has already produced dozens of confirmed infections, while hundreds more suspected cases and deaths are under investigation.
Health leaders have emphasized the importance of gaining community trust to control the outbreak, as fears and resistance continue to challenge response efforts.
Meanwhile, U.S. health officials announced new entry restrictions for green card holders who have recently been in Ebola-affected countries, including Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, citing public health precautions.
About the Author
Benson Wafula is a senior digital journalist at the Somali Report with over a decade of experience covering East Africa, specializing in digital reporting and video production.
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