Angry crowd sets Ebola hospital tents on fire in DR Congo
An angry crowd attacked a hospital in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo after authorities stopped them from taking the body of a young man believed to have died from Ebola. Family members and supporters became upset and began throwing objects at the hospital, eventually setting fire to tents that were being used as isolation wards. Police fired warning shots to control the situation, while medical workers were placed under military protection.
Many residents reportedly did not believe Ebola was real and thought hospitals and aid organizations were using the disease to make money. The dead man, believed to be a local football player, was popular in the community, and his family insisted he had died from typhoid fever instead of Ebola. Officials stressed that Ebola victims must be buried safely because their bodies remain highly infectious even after death.
The outbreak has already caused more than 170 deaths in DR Congo, and the World Health Organization has declared it a public health emergency of international concern. Neighboring Uganda has also confirmed Ebola cases and temporarily suspended transport across the border. Health officials continue working to educate communities, improve safety measures and prevent the virus from spreading further, especially in areas controlled by rebel groups.
Edited using generative AI tools.
Source :https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp8p2g8yp8do |
