Ebola outbreak in DR Congo: Angry relatives of deceased patient set medical centre on fire after demanding traditional burial, WHO declares International Concern

Ebola treatment centre in Ituri province, DRC set on fire
Amid major Ebola outbreak, medical centre set on fire by angry locals , images via Sky News , insert: Ebola virus

On May 21, 2026, angry locals in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) set fire to Ebola treatment tents at Rwampara General Hospital. After health authorities refused to release the body of a young man who died from Ebola, the relatives of the deceased man demanded a traditional burial and started attacking the treatment centre. 

Police had to fire warning shots during the clashes, and six patients were safely evacuated. Tents operated by the medical charity ALIMA were destroyed in the violence. Reports stated that after health workers refused to hand over the man’s body, his relatives started hurling projectiles at the medical tents, setting the tents on fire. 

The recent outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain, which does not respond to existing vaccines or medicines. All over DRC, around 600 suspected cases have been reported, and nearly 130 people have died so far. Mongbwalu, Rwampara, and Bunia areas of the DRC are reported to be the worst affected. The deadly virus has also crossed into Uganda.

Ebola is one of the deadliest viruses in the world with a very high fatality rate. Since the virus was first identified in 1976, DRC has experienced 17 outbreaks so far. However, the previous outbreaks involved the more lethal Zaire strain, which has a vaccine and treatment protocols available. 

The current Bundibugyo strain has no established treatment protocols or vaccine. Though it is less lethal than the Zaire strain, the fatality rate is still 25-30% which makes it very dangerous.

The attack on the medical centre is of grave concern because Ebola spreads from contact with bodily fluids. Traditional burials, which involve close contact of relatives with the corpse, fuel fresh outbreaks. With no adequate medical facilities with quarantine and isolation protocols being strictly followed, the outbreak can become worse. 

Authorities have requested locals not to believe misinformation and superstitions and instead cooperate with health workers. The region has no civilian government and has been under military rule since 2021.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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