Challenges Faced by Virunga National Park Amid Ebola Threat

Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo hosts several hundred mountain gorillas, accounting for about one-third of their global population. Rangers are implementing measures to screen visitors for Ebola and safeguard these primates, which are highly susceptible to the virus.

Emmanuel de Merode, the park director, describes a scene of natural beauty filled with elephants and hippos roaming freely. The Mitumba Mountains, home to lowland gorillas, lie to one side, while the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains rise behind him. Yet, beyond this serene landscape lies a region plagued by rebel violence and a worsening Ebola outbreak.

De Merode and his team of more than 800 rangers are battling these dual threats with limited resources. Despite having faced years of conflict and a previous Ebola outbreak from 2018 to 2020, he states that the current situation is the most severe of the past three decades. The lack of a vaccine for the current Ebola strain, reduced global aid, and surrounding violence add to these challenges.

In June, NPR spoke with de Merode to discuss the critical efforts underway to counter Ebola. Key highlights of the conversation include:

Ebola Screening Posts

Virunga National Park covers over 180 miles from north to south, offering a strategic location along the borders of Uganda and DRC, crucially in an Ebola-affected area. De Merode explains that the park acts as a natural barrier, allowing nearly complete screening of travelers. Screening posts offer a controlled environment, significantly aiding efforts to trace and contain Ebola’s spread swiftly.

The park plans five screening posts for $44,000 each, featuring essential infrastructure. These sites require diagnosis rooms, reliable internet connectivity, analysis rooms, and a robust isolation center for suspected cases. Additionally, security staff are necessary to guard against militia attacks.

Decline in International Aid

The DRC faces hardship with a significant decrease in foreign aid, impacting Ebola response efforts. Recently, U.S. aid dropped from $1.4 billion in 2024 to just over $400 million in 2025. This funding shortfall exacerbates the epidemic’s severity, with health services being under-resourced and struggling to contain the virus.

Issues like a lack of body bags and vehicles severely hinder response capabilities. Despite challenges, the park quickly sourced supplies like body bags and diagnostic thermometers critical for addressing the outbreak.

Ongoing Violence

The rangers face grave challenges, operating amid extreme violence. Recent attacks have resulted in casualties among the park staff, further complicating the management of Ebola efforts. This spike in violence correlates with the outbreak, adding to the complexity of handling the situation.

Protecting Mountain Gorillas

Mountain gorillas, with an estimated global population of over 1,200, are particularly vulnerable to Ebola. With a historically significant mortality rate due to Ebola, measures have been taken to protect them within Virunga.

The park has temporarily halted tourism to minimize contact between humans and gorillas. About 200 rangers focus on safeguarding the gorilla area, monitoring for poaching and other threats. Recent cases in Goma, fortunately, haven’t escalated into significant danger for the gorillas.

The experience from the 2018-2020 outbreak provides a framework for current management, bringing cautious optimism about protecting both humans and gorillas in the area.