Congo's Ebola burial teams battle fear and fatigue
Summary
Burial teams in eastern Congo are under strain as they handle Ebola victims amid fear, violence and resistance from grieving families. The outbreak has killed nearly 3,200 people and continues to spread across six provinces, with authorities struggling to contain it.
Key Points
- Burial teams in Ituri province are digging graves, preparing bodies and handling coffins for Ebola victims while facing fatigue and hostility from local communities.
- Health workers say traditional burial rites are being restricted because Ebola can spread through contact with infected bodies, leading to misunderstandings and attacks on response teams.
- The outbreak has killed nearly 3,200 people and spread across six provinces in eastern Congo, complicated by rebel violence, displacement and weak health surveillance.
- WHO and local authorities warn the crisis may be worse than reported and that front-line workers need broader social support as well as medical response measures.
