Bafwasende, Democratic Republic of the Congo — A nurse involved in raising awareness about Ebola has been killed in a violent mob attack in eastern Congo, while another community health worker sustained serious injuries, according to reports published on October 2026.

The attack took place in Bafwasende, in Tshopo province, as the two workers were carrying out community outreach activities linked to the Ebola response. Reports say the attackers included youths armed with machetes and sticks.

According to accounts cited by Reuters, the nurse and a colleague were confronted by local residents who accused them of spreading the disease through contaminated water. The confrontation escalated into violence, leaving the nurse dead at the scene and the second worker injured.

Misinformation Raises Risks for Health Workers

The incident highlights the dangers faced by medical and community outreach teams working to contain infectious disease outbreaks. False claims and public distrust can undermine health campaigns, discourage people from seeking treatment and expose frontline workers to threats.

The World Health Organization has condemned attacks against those responding to the outbreak and stressed that health workers must be able to carry out their duties safely.

Security Concerns Grow in Affected Communities

The latest attack comes amid broader security challenges facing Ebola response teams in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Previous incidents have included threats against medical personnel and attacks on health facilities, making it more difficult to reach communities that need information and care.

Protecting healthcare workers, addressing rumours with clear public information and building trust with residents will be essential to the ongoing response. Authorities also face pressure to investigate attacks and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.