BUNIA, Democratic Republic of Congo — As Ebola continues to spread in Bunia, the city’s coffin makers have seen a marked increase in demand, highlighting the intersection of tradition, public health, and economic hardship amid the outbreak.

Since the current Ebola outbreak began in May, local carpenters have ramped up coffin production to meet the rising number of deaths linked to the virus. One carpenter, Djo Limayo, reported increasing his monthly coffin sales from about 15 before the outbreak to around 80 after securing a contract with a morgue. Other coffin makers noted similar, though more modest, increases in business. Workshops lining Bunia’s streets display coffins ranging from simple wooden boxes to more elaborate designs adorned with faux gold details, including smaller ones for infants.

Limayo and his team source wood from lumber yards across the city and work largely outdoors, with production dependent on weather conditions due to safety concerns about operating power tools in the mud during rains. Coffins are typically wrapped in cling wrap and secured with rubber ropes when transported, often precariously balanced on motorbikes.

Despite the increased demand, the coffin makers face a delicate situation amid efforts to control the virus’s spread. Ebola remains highly contagious in the bodies of victims, making safe burials a critical component of outbreak containment. However, traditional burial practices in the region often involve direct contact with the deceased, raising concerns among health officials.

Humanitarian organizations, such as the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, have advocated for the use of body bags to safely contain corpses before coffin placement and emphasized the importance of community engagement to discourage opening coffins after burial. Yet, tensions persist: in a recent burial, health workers encountered threats from mourners who wanted to open the coffin, prompting security escorts to ensure the process adhered to safety protocols.

The outbreak in Congo has become the fastest-growing recorded Ebola epidemic, with the government reporting 6,041 confirmed cases and 2,911 confirmed deaths as of early February. Families face not only the emotional toll but also significant financial burdens. Coffin prices start at several hundred dollars, a substantial expense for many local households. According to Felix Muzinga, who runs a carpentry workshop in Bunia, families often opt for decorated coffins despite limited means, viewing them as a necessary part of honoring their loved ones.

While coffin makers like Limayo acknowledge the gravity of their work, some describe a surreal experience, with one saying he has on occasion felt the presence of those who have passed. The increased coffin production underscores the human cost of the outbreak and the challenges facing communities balancing cultural traditions and vital public health measures.