Ebola Responder Killing in Congo
Congo Ruling Party Official Beaten to Death After Ebola Radio Broadcast
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Marie-Celestin Karondwa, a senior official in Congo’s ruling UDPS party, was beaten to death in Butembo after appearing on a radio program to promote Ebola prevention. The attackers also looted his belongings and set his home on fire; their identities and motive remain unclear. His killing underscores growing mistrust and violence against Ebola responders in the region. The day before, armed men attacked a hand-washing checkpoint in nearby Beni territory, killing at least one person and wounding others. Government figures cited in the reports say the outbreak has infected 8,067 people and killed 3,901.
Key Points
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Experts cited in The Guardian said rumors and misinformation about Ebola, along with distrust of health responders, have fueled attacks on healthcare workers and treatment centres; the violence has included riots and property damage and disrupted essential services.
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The outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus, for which there is no approved treatment or vaccine, according to The Guardian.
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The Guardian notes that Ebola was first identified in 1976 in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo and can spread through body fluids or contaminated materials.
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