Nairobi, Kenya — In a tragic development amidst the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), three Red Cross volunteers have passed away. Alikana Udumusi Augustin, Sezabo Katanabo, and Ajiko Chandiru Viviane are reported to have contracted the virus while managing deceased bodies in the eastern region of Ituri, an area now identified as the epicentre of the epidemic.
The volunteers died between 5 and 16 May 2026, and their deaths are believed to have occurred before the outbreak was officially identified. This tragic incident marks one of the earliest fatalities linked to the epidemic, which has since resulted in over 170 suspected deaths and 750 suspected cases.
The Ebola strain identified in the DRC is Bundibugyo, a rare variant with no known vaccine and a fatality rate of around a third of those infected.
The DRC has grappled with several Ebola outbreaks in the past, with the current crisis adding to the country’s enduring public health challenges.
The presence of ongoing conflict in the region has further complicated the response to the outbreak, as well as to other health crises such as measles, malaria, and the COVID — 19 pandemic.
The Red Cross has paid tribute to the volunteers, noting their service was conducted with “courage and humanity. “.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has escalated the public health risk from the virus in DR Congo from “high “to “very high, “reflecting the heightened severity of the situation.
The African Centres for Disease Control has also warned that 10 other countries on the continent face the risk of being affected.
As the situation continues to evolve, the international community is closely monitoring developments and providing support to the DRC.
A coordinated and effective response is critical to contain the outbreak and prevent further loss of life.
The sacrifice of the Red Cross volunteers is a poignant reminder of the risks faced by those on the front lines of global health crises.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
