A longtime nurse working to combat Ebola in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo was killed Friday in an attack by youths, officials said Monday. The incident occurred in Bafwasende, a town in the Tshopo province, where the nurse had been involved in efforts to educate residents about the disease and promote protective measures.

According to health authorities, the nurse was assaulted and killed while providing care at the local general hospital. A colleague who was with the nurse during the attack survived and is currently hospitalized. Other health workers at the facility have remained under police protection, fearing for their safety and hesitant to leave the hospital premises.

The military briefly deployed forces to the area in response to the violence, which forms part of a broader pattern of assaults targeting those involved in Ebola response efforts. These attacks have extended to hospitals, vehicles, and medical personnel, exacerbating challenges in gaining the trust and cooperation of local communities.

Health officials attribute much of the hostility to widespread misinformation surrounding Ebola, contributing to suspicion and fear toward health workers. This environment of mistrust complicates efforts to control outbreaks and provide essential medical care in the region.