In brief
In the northeast of the Democratic Republic of Congo, local youths attacked and killed a nurse and seriously injured another health worker during an Ebola response mission. The assault, condemned by the World Health Organization, reflects growing hostility toward aid workers amid the ongoing outbreak. Neighboring Uganda has tightened non‑essential travel, and returnees will face 21‑day quarantine. The incident follows earlier violent episodes against Ebola‑countermeasures promoters and underscores the need for robust protection of medical staff.
Nurse killed in attack while responding to Ebola alert in DR Congo
Local youths in the Belu region of northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) shot a nurse and seriously injured another health worker who were on the ground amid a new Ebola alert. The United Nations partner Radio Okapi said the attackers claimed the responders had contaminated local water supplies and spread the virus.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has condemned the assault, with Director‑General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urging that health workers be allowed to carry out their duties safely and with dignity. The UN’s regional office extended condolences to the nurse’s family and hoped for a quick recovery of the wounded colleague.
The outbreak that began in May has claimed more than 4,800 deaths and nearly 10,000 infections. In response, Uganda has banned all non‑essential travel to and from the DRC and will quarantine citizens returning from the country for 21 days at their own expense.
Earlier this month, Nigeria and Kenya each reported their first Ebola cases linked to the same outbreak. The Nigerian patient, a Ugandan‑born wife of a Swiss diplomat, was flown to Switzerland after detection in Abuja, while a Kenyan businessman fell ill upon arrival in Nairobi.
Uganda’s Health Minister Chris Baryomunsi said the measures aim to keep the country free of Ebola, emphasising the region’s close trade and family ties. He noted that the Democratic Republic of Congo remains a source of ongoing transmission, prompting strict border screening and the routine use of locator forms for all travellers.
The violence is not isolated: in August, the Red Cross reported five attacks on volunteers, and a politician was killed last month after advocating for control measures. These incidents highlight the dangers faced by those on the front lines of disease control.
Further updates will be posted as the situation develops. For real‑time coverage of the outbreak, follow the official BBC Africa channels on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
