Nurse killed in DRC while treating suspected Ebola patient
The attack in Bafwasende marks the deadliest phase of an outbreak that has now spread to four African nations.
By Marina Weber ·
A nurse lost her life and a colleague suffered severe injuries after attackers struck a team responding to an Ebola alert in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The incident occurred in the town of Bafwasende, located in the eastern Tshopo province, on Saturday. The World Health Organization confirmed the casualties on Sunday.
The outbreak began in May and has since recorded more than 9,800 cases and over 4,700 deaths, according to data from the DRC Ministry of Health. These figures make it the deadliest Ebola epidemic in the country’s history. The virus has now been detected in four countries across eastern, central, and western Africa.
Community tension has intensified the crisis. Local officials cited widespread distrust of the government’s handling of the epidemic, compounded by chronic corruption. Some residents have dismissed the disease as a hoax. In May, angry crowds burned tents at two health centers in separate attacks within a single week.
Violence against medical staff has become a recurring obstacle. Last month, a politician in North Kivu was beaten to death after defending government measures on a radio show. Responders report that some residents have held team members captive or threatened staff in designated health zones. This environment of fear complicates efforts in remote areas that already face shortages of supplies.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director-General, posted on X that healthcare must always be protected. He emphasized that those working to protect communities need to do so with dignity and safety. Mohamed Yakub Janabi, the WHO regional director for Africa, also condemned the attack. He stated that misinformation and fear must never fuel violence against those responding to the outbreak.
On Sunday, Uganda’s Minister of Health Chris Baryomunsi announced a new protocol for travelers. All Ugandan citizens returning from the DRC will be quarantined for 21 days. This measure follows two recent cases in Kenya and Nigeria involving individuals who had recently transited through Uganda. Uganda declared itself Ebola-free in July after its latest outbreak ended.
The Bundibugyo strain causing this outbreak has no approved vaccine or specific treatment. Symptoms can appear up to 21 days after exposure. In an update on October 23, the WHO urged stronger cross-border monitoring and cooperation. It advised against restricting travel or trade with affected countries while emphasizing the need for vigilance.
Source: Al Jazeera
