Ebola Outbreak Claims Lives of Red Cross Volunteers in Congo

Three Red Cross volunteers have tragically died, having potentially contracted the Ebola virus during a humanitarian mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in March. These volunteers are some of the first identified victims in the current outbreak, according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

The deceased volunteers were named Alikana Udumusi Augustin, Sezabo Katanabo, and Ajiko Chandiru Viviane. Their deaths occurred on May 5, May 15, and May 16, respectively. Health workers wearing protective gear were seen disinfecting isolation areas at the General Referral Hospital of Mongbwalu.

The volunteers are believed to have contracted the virus while performing dead body management duties on March 27, during a mission initially unrelated to Ebola. They were part of the Congo Red Cross society, stationed in Mongbwalu, the epicenter of the outbreak in Djugu territory, Ituri province.

IFRC expressed condolences: “These volunteers lost their lives while serving their communities with courage and humanity.”

The outbreak has spread from Congo to Uganda, prompting the World Health Organization to declare a public health emergency of international concern on May 17.

As of Thursday, WHO data indicated 746 suspected cases and 176 deaths in Congo. There have been 88 confirmed cases, with 10 deaths, including one in Uganda.

An American surgeon working in Congo contracted the virus and was subsequently treated in Germany. In Uganda, two initial cases rose to five by Sunday, noted by the country’s Ministry of Health.

The additional Ugandan cases include a driver transporting the first confirmed case, a health worker caring for the first case, and a Congolese woman entering Uganda with abdominal symptoms.

WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, described the situation in Congo as “deeply worrisome.” Violence and insecurity are complicating surveillance and response efforts despite international assistance.

The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, known for causing hemorrhagic fever and lacking approved vaccines or treatments.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced restrictions on May 18 for foreign nationals entering the U.S. from affected regions. Americans and permanent residents can enter but must do so through specific airports for health screenings.

So far, the CDC reported no suspected or confirmed Ebola cases from the current outbreak within the United States.