Three Red Cross volunteers have died after contracting Ebola while working during an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to humanitarian officials.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) confirmed the deaths, saying the volunteers were operating in Mongbwalu, in Ituri Province in the country’s northeast, an area considered the epicentre of the outbreak.
The victims have been identified as Alikana Udumusi Augustin, Sezabo Katanabo and Ajiko Chandiru Viviane. They reportedly became infected while carrying out dead body management duties as part of humanitarian response operations.
The IFRC said the infection likely occurred on 27 March, during response work that took place before the outbreak had been formally identified locally.
The World Health Organization has since declared the outbreak a public health emergency, reporting dozens of confirmed cases and a growing number of suspected infections across the region.
Health authorities say the strain involved is Bundibugyo Ebola, a rare variant for which there are currently no approved vaccines or specific treatments.
The deaths occurred on 5, 15 and 16 May, highlighting concerns over the virus’s rapid and often undetected spread in vulnerable communities.
The IFRC paid tribute to the volunteers, describing them as having served communities with courage, humanity and extraordinary dedication under extremely difficult conditions.
The organisation has launched a 29 million Swiss franc appeal to strengthen the response and support affected communities across the country.
In Mongbwalu, volunteers had been carrying out door-to-door awareness campaigns, but officials say misinformation and mistrust have complicated early containment efforts.
Health officials warn that the window to contain the outbreak is narrowing, stressing that the coming days will be critical in determining whether it can be brought under control.
