Ebola Patients Flee After Second Treatment Tent Set on Fire—'Panic'
Summary
In eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, angry residents set fire to Ebola treatment tents twice in two days, causing patients to flee and disrupting medical efforts. The outbreak involves a rare Ebola strain without approved vaccines, and health officials warn that escaped patients increase the risk of spreading the virus.Key Facts
- More than a dozen suspected Ebola patients escaped after a treatment tent was set on fire in Mongbwalu, DRC.
- The treatment tent was provided by the medical aid group Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and was empty during the fire.
- A similar incident happened in Rwampara, where protesters burned two tents and a deceased patient's body after authorities refused to release the body.
- The Ebola outbreak involves the Bundibugyo virus, a rare strain with no approved vaccines or specific treatments.
- The World Health Organization considers the Ebola outbreak risk in the DRC to be "very high."
- Health officials warn that funerals without proper precautions can spread Ebola because the virus remains contagious in bodies.
- Security forces used tear gas and warning shots to control crowds during the Rwampara protests.
- MSF is working with local health officials to set up a 60-bed treatment center and continue care despite community fears.
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