More than 18 Ebola patients fled after a second treatment center was attacked and set on fire by angry residents in the town of Mongbwalu in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The patients escaped during the panic caused by the attack, raising fears that the deadly virus could spread further within surrounding communities.
The latest incident highlights growing tensions between residents and health workers responding to Ebola outbreaks in the region.
Authorities and aid organizations say many of the attacks are linked to public anger over strict containment measures imposed during outbreaks, particularly the handling and burial of Ebola victims.
Under Ebola prevention protocols, health officials often prohibit families from washing, touching, or conducting traditional funeral rites for the deceased because the virus can remain highly contagious after death.
But in many communities across eastern Congo, traditional burial ceremonies are deeply important cultural and religious practices.
Some residents accuse health workers of disrespecting local customs and excluding families from the burial process, fueling mistrust and resentment.
Others believe Ebola treatment centers isolate patients from their relatives for too long or suspect that authorities exaggerate outbreaks for financial or political reasons.
Health workers have repeatedly faced hostility during Ebola responses in eastern Congo, where years of armed conflict, insecurity, and distrust of government institutions have complicated public health efforts.
Witnesses said angry residents stormed the treatment center in Mongbwalu before setting parts of the facility on fire.
The attack caused chaos inside the center, allowing more than 18 patients to flee. Officials fear some infected individuals may now return to crowded communities without proper monitoring or treatment, increasing the risk of further transmission.
Medical teams have urged residents to cooperate with health authorities, warning that attacks on treatment centers could worsen the outbreak and endanger both patients and healthcare workers.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has experienced multiple Ebola outbreaks over the past decade, with eastern regions among the hardest hit.
Despite repeated vaccination campaigns and international support, misinformation, fear, and community resistance continue to undermine efforts to contain the virus.
Health experts say rebuilding trust between communities and medical responders remains critical to preventing future violence and controlling the spread of Ebola.
