Red Cross mourns death of three volunteers from Ebola in Congo
The Red Cross has expressed sorrow over the deaths of three volunteers who contracted Ebola while managing bodies in the Democratic Republic of Congo. These individuals are among the first known victims of the recent outbreak involving the Bundibugyo strain. The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak an emergency of international concern as efforts to contain it intensify.
- ▪The three volunteers died after handling bodies as part of a humanitarian mission unrelated to Ebola.
- ▪They contracted the virus during dead body management activities on March 27, before the outbreak was identified.
- ▪Unsafe burials are a leading driver of Ebola transmission, prompting the Red Cross to work on safe burial practices.
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Red Cross mourns death of three volunteers from Ebola in CongoSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxPharmacies remain open along a street, as aid agencies intensify efforts to contain a new Ebola outbreak involving the Bundibugyo strain, in Bunia, Ituri province, Democratic Republic of Congo, May 22, 2026. REUTERS/Gradel Muyisa MumberePublished May 23, 2026, 07:55 PMUpdated May 23, 2026, 07:55 PMGENEVA, May 23 - The Red Cross on Saturday paid tribute to three volunteers who are believed to have died after contracting Ebola while handling bodies and are among the first known victims of the latest outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there is no approved vaccine or treatment, was declared an emergency of international…
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