Trending Now - Eighteen Ebola Patients Escape Amid Panic From Tent Fire

WHO:

AP - Dr. Richard Lokudi, director of the Mongbwalu hospital, condemned the attack, stating, "We strongly condemn this act, as it caused panic among the staff and also resulted in the escape of 18 suspected cases into the community."

AP - David Basima, a team leader with the Red Cross overseeing burials, reported that his team "experienced a lot of difficulties, including resistance from young people and the community."

PBS - Dr. Richard Lokudi, director of the Mongbwalu hospital

PBS - David Basima, team leader with the Red Cross overseeing burials

PBS - Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General

PBS - International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

WHAT:

PBS - A second treatment center in Rwampara was burned down after family members were banned from retrieving the body of a local man suspected to have died of Ebola.

PBS - The outbreak is believed to be "much larger" than previously reported, with 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths.

PBS - The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies reported that three of its volunteers died from the outbreak, believed to have contracted the virus on March 27.

PBS - The outbreak is believed to be "much larger" than the confirmed cases, with 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths reported.

PBS - The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies reported that three of its volunteers had died from the outbreak in Mongbwalu, believed to have contracted the virus on March 27.

PBS - The U.S. government announced a ban on green card holders who have been in Ebola-affected countries from returning to the U.S., which includes Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan.

AP - The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies reported that three of its volunteers had died from the outbreak in Mongbwalu, believed to have contracted the virus on March 27.

Newsweek - Eighteen individuals with suspected cases of Ebola fled a health facility during a fire and remain unaccounted for.

PBS - Residents attacked and burned a treatment tent for suspected and confirmed Ebola cases, marking the second such incident in a week.

PBS - No injuries were reported during the attack, but the fire caused panic among staff and led to the escape of 18 suspected Ebola cases.

PBS - The World Health Organization reported 82 confirmed cases and 7 deaths in Congo, with 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths.

PBS - The U.S. government announced a ban on green card holders who have been in Ebola-affected countries from returning to the U.S.

WHERE:

PBS - The incidents occurred in Mongbwalu and Rwampara, towns in eastern Congo.

PBS - The health center where the tent was burned is part of a facility operated by Doctors Without Borders.

WHEN:

PBS - The attack on the treatment tent occurred on a Friday night.

PBS - A communal burial for Ebola patients took place on a Saturday under tight security.

PBS - The U.S. federal health officials announced the green card holder ban on a Friday night.

WHY:

PBS - The outbreak poses a "very high" risk for Congo, according to the World Health Organization, upgraded from a previous categorization of "high."

AP - The outbreak is believed to be "much larger" than the confirmed cases, according to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

PBS - The attack was motivated by anger from residents over the Ebola outbreak and restrictions on burials.

PBS - The WHO upgraded the risk assessment of the outbreak in Congo from "high" to "very high."

HOW:

PBS - Authorities in northeastern Congo banned funeral wakes and gatherings of more than 50 people to curb the spread of the virus.

AP - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services can argue for immediate effect of the green card holder ban under certain circumstances.

PBS - The treatment tent was set on fire by angry residents who were protesting against the health measures in place.

PBS - Authorities in northeastern Congo banned funeral wakes and gatherings of more than 50 people to curb the spread of the virus.

(UPDATED May 24, 2026 17:16 UTC)

A second treatment center in Rwampara was burned down after family members were prohibited from retrieving the body of a local man suspected to have died from Ebola. The outbreak is now believed to be much larger than previously reported, with 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths, and tragically, three volunteers from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies have died after contracting the virus. In response to the crisis, authorities in northeastern Congo have banned funeral wakes and gatherings of more than 50 people to help curb the spread of the virus.

(UPDATED May 24, 2026 13:18 UTC)

The outbreak in northeastern Congo is believed to be much larger than the confirmed cases, with 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths reported, prompting the World Health Organization to classify the risk as "very high." Tragically, three volunteers from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies have died after contracting the virus, which they are believed to have caught on March 27. In response to the crisis, the U.S. government has announced a ban on green card holders who have been in Ebola-affected countries, including Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan, while local authorities have also banned funeral wakes and gatherings of more than 50 people to help curb the spread of the virus.

(UPDATED May 24, 2026 01:34 UTC)

In a troubling development, Dr. Richard Lokudi, director of the Mongbwalu hospital, condemned a recent attack that caused panic among staff and led to the escape of 18 suspected cases into the community. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies reported that three of its volunteers died from a virus outbreak in Mongbwalu, which is believed to be much larger than the confirmed cases, according to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is positioned to argue for the immediate effect of a green card holder ban under certain circumstances.

(UPDATED May 23, 2026 23:13 UTC)

In eastern Congo, a troubling situation has unfolded as eighteen individuals with suspected cases of Ebola fled a health facility during a fire, remaining unaccounted for. This incident follows an attack by residents who burned a treatment tent for Ebola cases, driven by frustration over the outbreak and restrictions on burials, prompting the World Health Organization to elevate the risk assessment from "high" to "very high." Additionally, the U.S. government has announced a ban on green card holders who have been in Ebola-affected countries from returning to the U.S., reflecting the escalating concerns surrounding the outbreak.