Ebola Response Teams Face Resistance in Congo Amid Rising Cases

In eastern Democratic Republic of Congo's South Kivu province, an Ebola burial team was attacked, highlighting ongoing mistrust and resistance against health responders. Consequent handling of an infected body by the community poses a high risk of further transmission. Concurrently, Ebola cases continue to rise despite international aid efforts.

In South Kivu province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, an Ebola burial team was attacked this week, amplifying concerns over the spread of the virus, the health ministry reported. The incident occurred in Katana, about 30 km from Bukavu, with hostile residents forcing responders to leave behind a coffin.

This 'safe and dignified burial team' was trained under stringent protocols to handle infectious bodies, yet the community's interference in the process could lead to new infection chains, as per a situation report. The cause of hostility remains unclear but mirrors broader resistance and mistrust hampering efforts to control the Ebola Bundibugyo strain.

Amidst this, Congo has reported 363 confirmed Ebola cases and 62 deaths since mid-May. Recent health ministry data notes a rise in cases across multiple health zones. International aid, including burial kits, continues to flow in, as authorities strive to manage the outbreak alongside the International Organization for Migration setting up health control posts.