Red Cross Volunteers Succumb to Ebola in DR Congo

The Red Cross reported that three of its volunteers died in the Democratic Republic of Congo due to Ebola virus exposure during their humanitarian duties in March. This announcement arrives amid the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the central African region, affecting both the DR Congo and Uganda. The World Health Organization has labeled this outbreak an international public health emergency.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) identified the volunteers as being from the DR Congo Red Cross in Ituri, the core area of the outbreak. They were part of the Mongbwalu branch located in Djugu territory, Ituri. According to the IFRC, the volunteers, Alikana Udumusi Augustin, Sezabo Katanabo, and Ajiko Chandiru Viviane, contracted the virus on March 27, while managing dead bodies during a humanitarian mission unrelated to Ebola. At that time, the local community was unaware of the Ebola outbreak, and it had not been officially recognized.

A patient undergoing a blood test at Mongbwalu’s General Referral Hospital during response measures highlights the ongoing crisis in Ituri province. Two volunteers died on May 15 and 16, while the first succumbed on May 5. The IFRC honored their commitment and bravery, emphasizing the willingness of Red Cross volunteers to support vulnerable communities, even in high-risk situations.

With over 17 million volunteers across 191 countries, the IFRC stands as the largest humanitarian network globally. It reaffirms its commitment to assist communities affected by Ebola and enhance response strategies to combat the outbreak.

Following recent developments, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention expanded the list of high-risk countries, adding Angola, Burundi, the Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Zambia.

Uganda has reported three new Ebola cases, leading to a total of five confirmed cases. These include a Ugandan driver associated with the first confirmed case, a health worker exposed during treatment, and a Congolese woman showing mild abdominal symptoms upon entering Uganda.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has documented 82 confirmed cases of Ebola and seven deaths. There are nearly 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths, as reported by the WHO. Dr. Craig Spencer, a public health professor and Ebola survivor, expressed particular concern for healthcare workers due to their close contact with highly contagious patients, especially during critical periods.

Ebola, a life-threatening viral ailment, spreads via direct contact with bodily fluids, leading to severe bleeding and organ failure. The current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo virus, a rare strain lacking approved vaccines or treatments. On Friday, the WHO elevated the risk level for the DR Congo from high to very high, maintaining a high risk for the region and a low global risk.