Congo Ebola Crisis: Treatment Center Burned, 18 Missing

An Ebola treatment facility in Mongbwalu, eastern Congo, was attacked and set ablaze by angry residents, according to health workers.

The incident occurred Friday night when locals set fire to a tent designated for suspected and confirmed Ebola cases, operated by Doctors Without Borders. The director of Mongbwalu hospital condemned the act, noting it caused panic and led to the escape of 18 individuals with suspected Ebola infections.

This follows a prior attack where another treatment center in Rwampara was burned after families were prevented from retrieving a suspected Ebola victim's body. Tensions remain high between health workers and the community due to the handling of burial rites for Ebola victims.

The World Health Organization has escalated its risk assessment for the outbreak in Congo to "very high." Currently, 82 cases and seven deaths have been confirmed, with estimates suggesting the outbreak is significantly larger. The Bundibugyo virus, a rare type of Ebola, is responsible for this outbreak.

In response to the escalating situation, authorities have banned funeral wakes and gatherings exceeding 50 people. Meanwhile, the U.S. has implemented a ban preventing green card holders who have recently been in Ebola-stricken countries from re-entering the United States.