health
Second Ebola treatment center set on fire in epicenter of disease's outbreak
Updated on: May 24, 2026 / 9:20 PM EDT / CBS/AP
TL;DR
- An Ebola treatment center in Mongbwalu, Congo, was attacked and burned by angry residents.
- 18 people with suspected Ebola infections escaped the facility after the attack.
- This is the second attack on an Ebola treatment center in the region within a week.
- The previous attack occurred in Rwampara after family members were banned from retrieving a body suspected to be of Ebola.
- Tensions are high between health workers and local communities regarding the handling of Ebola victim burials.
- Communal burials are taking place under tight security, with resistance from some community members.
- Authorities have banned funeral wakes and gatherings of more than 50 people to curb the spread.
- The World Health Organization has assessed the Ebola outbreak risk for Congo as 'very high'.
- 101 cases have been confirmed in Congo, with over 900 suspected cases and 204 suspected deaths.
- The U.S. is implementing restrictions on green card holders returning from Ebola-affected countries.
- Three Red Cross volunteers died from the outbreak in Mongbwalu, potentially contracting the virus while handling dead bodies unrelated to Ebola.