Red Cross Volunteers’ Tragic Deaths During Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo

On Saturday, the Red Cross reported the tragic deaths of three volunteers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The volunteers reportedly contracted Ebola in March during an outbreak affecting the region, including neighboring Uganda. The World Health Organization (WHO) has labeled this outbreak an international public health emergency.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) identified the volunteers as members of the DR Congo Red Cross working in the Ituri province, the outbreak’s epicenter. They were part of a team in Mongbwalu, Djugu territory, engaging in humanitarian missions.

Alikana Udumusi Augustin, Sezabo Katanabo, and Ajiko Chandiru Viviane are believed to have contracted the Ebola virus on duty, while carrying out dead body management activities on March 27 as part of a humanitarian mission unrelated to Ebola, stated the IFRC. At that time, the community remained unaware of the Ebola outbreak.

The IFRC shared that one volunteer succumbed to the disease on May 5, with the others passing on May 15 and 16. These volunteers lost their lives while serving their communities with courage and humanity, the Geneva-based organization noted. They emphasized the dedication of Red Cross volunteers worldwide, who serve in complex and high-risk environments.

The IFRC, representing over 17 million volunteers across 191 countries, remains dedicated to assisting Ebola-affected communities and fortifying outbreak response efforts. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has now recognized Angola, Burundi, the Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Zambia as high-risk areas.

Ugandan authorities confirmed three new Ebola cases, raising the national total to five. These cases include a driver linked to the first confirmed case, a health worker exposed during treatment, and a Congolese woman who entered Uganda with symptoms.

In the Congo, statistics indicate 82 confirmed cases with seven confirmed deaths. Further data suggest nearly 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths, according to WHO reports.

Dr. Craig Spencer, a Brown University public health professor and Ebola survivor, highlighted concerns over healthcare workers during outbreaks. He explained that healthcare workers contact patients during their most contagious periods, particularly around the time of death.

Ebola is a severe viral disease that spreads through contact with bodily fluids. It can cause severe bleeding and organ failure. The current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo virus, a rarer strain with no approved vaccines or treatments. The WHO recently elevated the risk assessment for the Congo to the highest level, while the regional risk remains high and the global risk low.