18 Ebola patients flee as treatment center set ablaze in Congo

Residents in eastern Congo burned a tent at a health center treating Ebola patients Friday night, marking the second time such an attack has occurred this week. While no one was hurt, the attack resulted in 18 people suspected of having Ebola fleeing the facility. They currently remain unaccounted for.

The attack took place in the town of Mongbwalu, with the tent housing suspected and confirmed Ebola cases, and operated by Doctors Without Borders.

“We strongly condemn this act, as it caused panic among the staff and also resulted in the escape of 18 suspected cases into the community,” Richard Lokudi, director of the Mongbwalu hospital, told the AP.

The incident follows a similar attack on Thursday in Rwampara, where another Ebola treatment center was burned after family members were prevented from retrieving the body of a man suspected of dying from the virus. Health officials have warned that the body of an Ebola victim is still highly contagious and can lead to spreading during the funeral and burial processes.

In response to the outbreak, northeastern Congo officials banned funerals and public gatherings for more than 50 people, a decision that has further fueled anger among residents. On Saturday, a communal burial for Ebola patients was held in Rwampara under armed security. Red cross workers lowered the sealed coffins of deceased patients into the ground.

According to the World Health Organization, the Ebola outbreak carries a “very high” risk for the country. However, global risk remains low.

The United States recently announced it would be banning green card holders who have been to Ebola-affected countries from reentering the US.