Eighteen suspected Ebola patients escape after treatment tent is set on fire for a second time in Congo
Summary
A treatment tent for Ebola patients in eastern Congo was set on fire for the second time this week, causing 18 suspected patients to escape. The Ebola outbreak involves a rare type of the virus called Bundibugyo, and health officials are working to control its spread amid community tensions.Key Facts
- The fire happened in Mongbwalu, a town at the center of the outbreak.
- The tent was operated by Doctors Without Borders for treating suspected and confirmed Ebola cases.
- Another treatment center was burned down on Thursday after family members were denied the body of a deceased patient.
- Ebola bodies can be highly contagious, so authorities control burials to prevent the spread.
- Funerals and large gatherings were banned in northeastern Congo to limit infection risks.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) raised the outbreak risk to "very high" for Congo but low globally.
- There are 82 confirmed Ebola cases and 7 deaths, though many more cases and deaths are suspected.
- There is no vaccine for the Bundibugyo Ebola virus.
- Three Red Cross volunteers died after handling bodies, indicating the outbreak likely began earlier than first confirmed.
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