Ebola Crisis: Hospital in Congo Attacked Amid Outbreak

Youths in eastern Congo attacked a key hospital treating Ebola patients on Sunday evening. The Mongbwalu General Hospital became the scene of chaos as medical staff rushed to evacuate patients amid gunfire. Although there are no confirmed injuries, the attackers demanded the release of two relatives’ bodies, stated Dr. Richard Lokudu, the hospital’s medical director.

The assault marks the third attack in a week on facilities struggling to manage the Ebola outbreak. Medical workers face severe resource shortages while trying to contain the virus, which the World Health Organization (WHO) has deemed a public health emergency of international concern. Handling bodies of Ebola victims poses a significant risk, as they remain highly contagious, potentially spreading the virus further during funeral preparations and gatherings.

Following these events, Congolese authorities have taken measures to handle burials through official channels to prevent contagion. Protests often greet these efforts from families wanting to conduct traditional funerals. The government recently banned wakes and gatherings exceeding 50 people in northeastern Congo to reduce risks.

Recent attacks include damage to a tent by Doctors Without Borders in Mongbwalu, with 18 suspected Ebola patients now missing. Another attack saw a treatment center in Rwampara destroyed after a family was denied access to a suspected Ebola victim’s body.

WHO warned of a ‘very high’ risk within Congo, although the global spread remains low. The Congolese Ministry of Communication’s Sunday update revealed 904 suspected cases, primarily in Ituri Province, reflecting a jump from earlier reports of over 700 cases. However, there is confusion as the ministry reported 119 suspected deaths, yet regional figures showed 220 deaths in total. Clarification on this discrepancy is awaited.

Efforts to contain the outbreak face another hurdle: no vaccine exists for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola. This strain spread for weeks unnoticed after the first death in Bunia, the provincial capital, as authorities initially tested for a more common strain.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies reported the loss of three volunteers due to the outbreak in Mongbwalu. These healthcare workers reportedly contracted the virus on March 27 while involved in a humanitarian mission unrelated to Ebola, which may extend the outbreak timeline.