Ebola burial team in DRC works under threats as virus continues to spread
The Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo has surpassed 3,000 deaths, with burial teams facing physical and verbal threats from local communities. Health officials warn that the virus is spreading faster than containment efforts can track.
Why it matters
The uncontrolled expansion of Ebola in a conflict-prone region poses a significant threat to global health security and highlights the challenges of medical intervention in volatile areas.
As the Ebola epidemic continues to spread through eastern DR Congo, the death toll now stands at more than 3,000 people. Because of the risk of contagion, victims have to buried in accordance with strict protocols. It's hard and dangerous work.
Inside a secured room at an Ebola treatment center in Congo members of a burial team prepare the body of another victim.
The country's Ebola outbreak has killed more than 3,000 people among more than 6,100 confirmed cases according to government data released Wednesday, as the disease spreads at an unprecedented rate, faster than efforts to track and slow it.
“We’re racing against time, and there are many deaths, so many people are dying,” said Benjamin Muhindo, a member of the Dignified and Safe Burial team in Rwankole, in the Ituri province.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in