Six‑year‑old Ebola patient safe after armed raid in DR Congo

Sat Jun 20 2026 08:01:45 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A six‑year‑old girl infected with Ebola was rescued from a hospital raid; the child is now stable as local doctors report.

A six‑year‑old girl in the eastern DR Congo city of Butembo was seized by armed men from an Ebola treatment centre but was later found and is stable. The incident underlines the tensions and mistrust that have plagued the outbreak, which already sees more than 230 deaths and 890 cases. Health officials stress the importance of safe treatment and burial practices while fighting an outbreak driven by the Bundibugyo strain. The WHO and Africa CDC have pledged funding amid escalating conflict with rebel groups, complicating containment efforts.

Six‑year‑old Ebola patient safe after armed raid in DR Congo

A six‑year‑old girl infected with Ebola was taken with her mother by armed men from a treatment centre in the eastern city of Butembo, but was later located and her condition described as stable by local doctors.

Dr. Lubambo Maboko Gaston told the BBC that the pair were rescued after being seized two days earlier. The child and mother arrived at another treatment centre 18 km from Butembo on Friday.

The incident highlights the growing tensions around Ebola facilities – attacks and mistrust have plagued the current outbreak, which already includes more than 230 confirmed deaths and 890 cases across the country.

Health officials note that the virus spreads through contact with bodily fluids, and that safe‑burial practices are key. WHO and Africa CDC have pledged multi‑million dollar funding to curb the spread, amid reports of conflict with the M23 rebel group that controls parts of eastern Congo.

The outbreak, triggered by the rare Bundibugyo strain, remains a major public health threat. Officials say the situation is “evolving so fast” and that Air hospitals and community outreach programmes are continuing despite security concerns.

Health workers at an Ebola station — Health workers in front of an ambulance, Reuters

In the same region, attacks on isolation tents and shootings during attempts to retrieve bodies have been reported, further complicating efforts to treat and isolate patients.

Authorities are increasing surveillance, contact tracing, and establishing dedicated treatment centres to manage the spread of the Bundibugyo strain while grappling with security issues that may slow response.