Health authorities in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo are struggling to contain a growing Ebola outbreak as fear, anger, and insecurity complicate response efforts in several provinces.
The outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, has resulted in at least 139 deaths and more than 600 suspected cases, according to the World Health Organization and Congolese officials. Cases have been reported in Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu provinces, while neighboring Uganda has confirmed two cases, including one death. There is currently no approved vaccine or treatment for the strain involved in the outbreak.
Tensions rose on Thursday in the town of Rwampara in Ituri Province after local residents set fire to an Ebola treatment center following a dispute over burial procedures for a man suspected of dying from the disease.
Witnesses said young men attempted to retrieve the body for a traditional funeral before police intervened. Authorities said Ebola protocols require all suspected victims to be buried by trained teams because bodies remain highly infectious after death.
“The police intervened to try to calm the situation, but unfortunately, they were unsuccessful,” said Alexis Burata, a student who witnessed the incident. “The young people ended up setting fire to the center.”
An Associated Press journalist at the scene reported that residents entered the treatment facility, damaged equipment, and set objects on fire before aid workers fled the area.
Deputy Senior Commissioner Jean Claude Mukendi, head of public security in Ituri Province, said residents had not understood the health measures.
“His family, friends, and other young people wanted to take his body home for a funeral even though the instructions from the authorities during this Ebola virus outbreak are clear,” Mukendi said. “All bodies must be buried according to the regulations.”
Aid agencies said calm was later restored and medical teams resumed operations.
The outbreak was officially declared on May 15 after weeks of undetected transmission. Health officials initially tested for a different Ebola strain more commonly found in Congo, delaying identification of the virus. The WHO said investigators have still not identified the first infected patient.
Anaïs Legand, a WHO specialist in viral hemorrhagic fevers, said the scale of the outbreak suggests it began “probably a couple of months ago.”
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus earlier expressed concern about the “scale and speed” of the outbreak, although the agency said the global risk remains low while the regional risk is high.
The outbreak is unfolding in a region already affected by armed violence, displacement and food shortages. United Nations figures show more than 920,000 people are displaced in Ituri Province alone.
On Tuesday, local leaders said militants linked to the Islamic State group killed at least 17 people in the village of Alima in Ituri Province, further disrupting humanitarian operations.
The United Nations and aid agencies have expanded emergency operations across eastern Congo.
WHO said it delivered 11.5 tonnes of medical supplies, protective equipment and treatment materials within 72 hours of the outbreak declaration. The UN peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, established an air bridge from Nairobi to Bunia and transported nearly 30 tonnes of supplies by Wednesday.
The United Nations Children’s Fund said children face increased risks from the outbreak, including loss of caregivers, disruption of services and social stigma. UNICEF has mobilized nearly 50 tonnes of emergency supplies, including disinfectants, protective gear and water purification materials.
The World Food Program said the outbreak has worsened conditions in eastern Congo, where millions already face severe food insecurity because of conflict and displacement.
“Indeed, the epicenter of the current health crisis is in the heart of WFP’s operational areas of eastern DRC,” the agency said. “Already, we are providing vital assistance across several pillars.”
Governments in several countries have introduced precautionary measures in response to the outbreak.
In Nigeria, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria said screening and surveillance measures have been activated at all international airports.
“We wish to reassure the traveling public and stakeholders that robust preventive measures have been put in place across all international airports,” said FAAN spokesperson Henry Agbebire. He added that there are currently no confirmed Ebola cases in Nigeria.
The United States has introduced travel restrictions and enhanced screening for travelers arriving from Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan.
Meanwhile, South Korea announced a Level 4 travel ban for Ituri Province effective Friday, May 22, prohibiting its citizens from entering the area without special authorization.
The outbreak has also affected international events and sports. India and the African Union postponed the India-Africa Forum Summit scheduled for next week in New Delhi because of the health situation in parts of Africa. Congo’s national football team also canceled a planned training camp and public farewell event in Kinshasa ahead of World Cup preparations.
