At least 18 suspected Ebola patients fled a hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo after grieving families attacked and set parts of the treatment centre on fire. The incident occurred at Mongbwalu General Referral Hospital in Ituri province, the epicentre of the ongoing Ebola outbreak that has claimed at least 220 lives since it was declared earlier this month.
Attack on Treatment Centre
According to medical officials, angry residents attacked the hospital multiple times over the weekend, burning tents set up by Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) and attempting to forcefully retrieve the bodies of relatives who died from the virus. The attacks forced patients to flee, with many reportedly evading treatment.
Confirmed Cases and Risks
Doctors said four of the escaped patients were later tested, with one confirmed positive for Ebola. Hospital director Dr Richard Lokodu warned that the confirmed patient was still moving around in the community, increasing fears of further spread. Another critically ill patient reportedly died while trying to escape during one of the attacks.
Misinformation and Distrust
Health officials say misinformation and distrust are fuelling resistance to Ebola measures, with some residents believing the virus is fake or being used by hospitals for financial gain. This has hindered containment efforts and put more lives at risk.
Outbreak Outpacing Response
The World Health Organization has warned that the outbreak is now “outpacing” response efforts, while neighbouring Uganda has confirmed additional Ebola cases involving health workers in Kampala. The current Bundibugyo strain has no approved vaccine or specific treatment, making containment efforts even more difficult.
