Ebola Claims the Lives of Three Red Cross Volunteers in Congo

Three Red Cross volunteers have passed away, likely contracting the Ebola virus while on a humanitarian mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in March. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) reported this incident on Saturday.

The volunteers, Alikana Udumusi Augustin, Sezabo Katanabo, and Ajiko Chandiru Viviane, died in early May, making them some of the first known casualties of this recent outbreak. They were engaged in activities related to the management of deceased bodies on March 27, unrelated to Ebola. During this time, the community was unaware of the outbreak, which had yet to be identified.

Operating from the Mongbwalu branch in the Djugu territory of Ituri province, these volunteers’ deaths serve as a tragic reminder of the courage and humanity required in their service. The IFRC expressed deep condolences to their families, colleagues, and fellow volunteers.

Meanwhile, health workers remain on alert, as seen when they disinfect isolation areas for Ebola patients at the General Referral Hospital of Mongbwalu. Preventive measures are critical in containing the disease.

“These volunteers lost their lives while serving their communities with courage and humanity,” the organization stated.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak, which originated in Congo and spread to Uganda, a public health emergency of international concern on May 17. As of recently, 746 suspected cases and 176 deaths among these cases have been recorded in Congo. The WHO has confirmed 88 cases, resulting in 10 deaths, including one in Uganda.

Among these confirmed cases is an American surgeon who was working in Congo and has since been transferred to Germany for treatment. In Uganda, two cases were initially reported, but the number increased to five. The new Ugandan cases include a driver exposed while transporting the first confirmed case, a health worker, and a Congolese woman with mild symptoms.

All individuals affected in Uganda are receiving necessary medical care. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the outbreak in Congo as “deeply worrisome,” citing violence and insecurity as barriers to the response effort.

Efforts to combat the outbreak involve aid and personnel from regional and international partners. Organizations involved include the WHO, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and Doctors Without Borders. The U.S. State Department has mobilized $23 million in foreign assistance.

This outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, known for causing hemorrhagic fever. Currently, no approved vaccines or treatments are available for this strain. The CDC has implemented travel restrictions, barring foreign nationals from entry if they visited Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan within 21 days before attempting to enter the U.S. U.S. citizens and permanent residents must enter through specific airports for health screening.

Thus far, the CDC reports no confirmed cases of Ebola from the current outbreak within U.S. borders.