25 Feb 2019 | 04:41 PM UTC
DRC: Maï-Maï militiamen burn Ebola center in Butembo (North Kivu) Feb. 24-25 /update 1
Suspected Maï-Maï militiamen attack and burn Ebola treatment center in Butembo (North Kivu province) February 24-25; similar attacks possible over the coming days and weeks
Event
Suspected Maï-Maï militiamen attacked and burned a Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)-operated Ebola treatment center in the Katwa area of Butembo (North Kivu province) late (local time) on Sunday, February 24, into Monday, February 25. The ten patients in the center, including four confirmed to have contracted Ebola virus disease (EVD), were reportedly evacuated to other treatment centers; however, one person died after falling into a ravine while fleeing the attack. Similar Maï-Maï attacks targeting health facilities are possible in North Kivu province over the coming days and weeks. Spread of EVD is possible in the area over the near term.
Context
On February 17, MSF announced it would suspend nonessential operations in eastern DRC. According to an MSF spokesperson, operations are being suspended due to security concerns following the kidnapping of two NGO workers in Masisi territory (North Kivu province) on February 8.
The government's limited presence in the DRC's eastern provinces, including North Kivu, as well as the presence of numerous armed groups and local self-defense militias (Maï-Maï militias) have led to continued insecurity in the area. Humanitarian organizations have stated that security conditions in the Kivu regions present a major obstacle to delivering humanitarian assistance to those in need, as kidnappings, including of Congolese and foreign aid workers, are frequent in the area.
EVD is extremely virulent. The disease is transmitted to humans via direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected animals. The disease can then be transmitted between humans and is highly contagious, particularly during the hemorrhagic phase. Ebola is characterized by the sudden onset of high fever, weakness, joint and muscle pain, and headache. A sore throat is also a common early symptom. These symptoms are followed by nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, kidney and liver failure, and, in some cases, internal and external bleeding.
Advice
Individuals in North Kivu province are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for militant activity, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.
