Ebola Treatment Facility Torched During Unrest in Eastern DR Congo

(MENAFN) A treatment center in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo was set on fire by protesters after tensions escalated over the handling of a suspected Ebola victim’s body, according to reports and local officials.

The incident took place in Rwampara in Ituri Province, an area heavily affected by the current outbreak. Video footage circulating on social media appears to show flames engulfing parts of the facility, with smoke rising into the air and gunfire heard in the vicinity.

According to eyewitness accounts cited by news agencies, unrest began after residents attempted to retrieve the body of a suspected Ebola victim for burial but were prevented from doing so under strict health protocols. The situation reportedly escalated when local youths reacted violently, and security forces were unable to immediately restore order. Some reports indicated that individuals entered the facility and set fire to equipment and structures, prompting medical staff and aid workers to evacuate.

Government officials later confirmed that several patients who were initially unaccounted for during the chaos were later located and transferred to a nearby hospital for continued treatment. Authorities said that, in the confusion, some individuals temporarily went missing but were subsequently found safe.

Officials emphasized that strict burial procedures are necessary for Ebola cases due to the high risk of transmission from infected remains. They also stated that security measures at the site have since been reinforced and that calm has been restored.

Authorities urged local communities to cooperate with health response teams, stressing that adherence to containment protocols is critical in controlling the spread of the virus during the ongoing outbreak.

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