A senior member of the ruling party in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was beaten to death after participating in a radio program aimed at raising awareness about the Ebola epidemic on September 27. Marie-Celestine Karondwa, acting president of the federal executive committee of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), was attacked in Butembo, a city that has become a new hotspot for the disease. The news was reported by Reuters and The Guardian, citing a party representative.

According to the party, the attackers beat Karondwa, stole his belongings, and set his house on fire. He died from his injuries. It remains unclear who carried out the attack, how many people were involved, and what exactly motivated it. However, the party described Karondwa as an "innocent victim who died defending the party's position on the existence of the Ebola virus… and the danger it poses to the population."

Karondwa's death occurred amid a series of attacks on health workers and treatment centers. Experts suggest these attacks are fueled by rumors and misinformation about the disease, as well as mistrust of medical personnel. This climate of fear and suspicion has hampered efforts to contain the outbreak.

Ebola, first identified in 1976 in what is now the DRC, is a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease affecting humans and primates. It spreads through bodily fluids or contaminated objects and can cause organ damage, blood vessel dysfunction, and sometimes severe internal and external bleeding.

The current outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus, for which there is no approved treatment or vaccine. It was first reported on May 15. According to the DRC Ministry of Health, the virus has infected 8,067 people and claimed 3,901 lives. These figures underscore the severity of the epidemic and the urgent need for international action.

Source: www.gazeta.uz