Convulsions, delirium and death in an Ebola ward

By the Editorial Team · Friday, August 21, 2026

Medical staff at an overwhelmed Ebola treatment center in eastern DRC have treated 849 patients since May, with 328 deaths reported amid an outbreak that has already claimed over 2,325 lives. The high mortality rate, ongoing viral mutations, and operational challenges such as staff infections and strikes threaten to worsen the epidemic, which may surpass the 2014-2016 West Africa outbreak in scale.

In Rwampara, near Bunia in the Ituri province of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), medical staff continue to confront severe challenges at an Ebola treatment center overwhelmed by a deadly outbreak. The facility, operated by the humanitarian organization Alima, has admitted 849 Ebola patients since the current epidemic began, with 328 fatalities reported as of August 2026.

The temporary treatment center comprises basic wooden structures topped with corrugated metal roofing, designed to isolate and care for those infected. Access to the highly contagious “Red Zone” is strictly limited to patients and healthcare workers outfitted in full protective gear. Staff follow rigorous decontamination procedures, including chlorinated water sprays and the incineration or sterilization of protective equipment, to prevent the spread of the virus.

Among the critically ill was 42-year-old gold miner Justin Bataga Mugarwa, who had been treated at the ward for nearly a week. His condition deteriorated rapidly after initial signs of recovery, progressing to convulsions and severe dehydration. Medical personnel spent hours attempting intravenous treatments but faced difficulty due to collapsed veins. Despite their efforts, Mr. Mugarwa’s vital functions ceased, highlighting the precarious line between recovery and death in this contagious environment.

The outbreak, ongoing since May, has claimed more than 2,325 lives, according to the Congolese government. If deaths continue at current rates, this epidemic may surpass the scale of the 2014-2016 West Africa outbreak, which resulted in over 11,000 fatalities. There are concerns among local health officials that the virus may be undergoing mutations, potentially complicating control efforts.

Healthcare providers in the region are also grappling with broader challenges, including community violence, malnutrition, and other preventable illnesses. The Ebola epidemic has exacerbated these vulnerabilities, with mortality rates in the current outbreak reaching nearly 46 percent. Health workers have borne a heavy toll, with approximately 100 infected and at least 36 deaths among medical staff reported to date.

Recent developments further complicated response efforts. In mid-June, a doctor from the Rwampara ward tested positive for Ebola after traveling to Paris, prompting the DRC government to enforce a 21-day international travel ban for residents of Ituri province. The restriction was later lifted but raised concerns among aid groups about potential disruptions to the response.

In July, healthcare and support staff engaged in a strike over unpaid salaries, leaving Ebola patients without care for several days until the government promised to address compensation delays. Such labor disputes underscore ongoing operational difficulties within the outbreak response framework.

Following their deaths, Mr. Mugarwa and his niece, who also contracted Ebola, were buried in a cemetery adjacent to the treatment center, reflecting protocols aimed at minimizing transmission risks. Their families mourned privately, underscoring the personal toll exacted by the epidemic on affected communities.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.