Three Red Cross Volunteers Die From Suspected Ebola in DRC

Three Red Cross volunteers in the Democratic Republic of Congo have died from suspected Ebola, likely contracted while managing dead bodies. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies confirmed the deaths occurred between May 5 and May 16.

The volunteers-Alikana Udumusi Augustin, Sezabo Katanabo, and Ajiko Chandiru Viviane-are believed to have been infected on March 27 while working in the eastern Ituri region on a project unrelated to Ebola, before the outbreak was identified.

The outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there is no proven vaccine. It kills about a third of those infected. So far, there have been more than 170 suspected deaths and 750 suspected cases.

Health experts warn that Ebola remains highly infectious in bodily fluids after death, making safe burial practices critical.

Meanwhile, Uganda has reported three new cases. The Africa CDC has warned 10 other countries are at risk. In DRC, an MSF treatment tent was burned on Friday, highlighting community fears and the need for trust.