Armed assailants have taken a woman and her young daughter from a health centre in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, officials said, raising fresh concerns over the spread of Ebola in the region.
The attack took place late on Monday near the city of Butembo in North Kivu province, when individuals carrying bladed weapons forced their way into a clinic and removed the pair, according to a provincial notice.
Authorities said the six-year-old child had already tested positive for Ebola, heightening fears of further transmission following the removal from the facility. The identity of the attackers and their motives remain unclear.
The incident highlights the significant challenges facing efforts to contain the outbreak, particularly in areas affected by insecurity and mistrust of health authorities.
Eastern Congo has long struggled with violence and instability, which has repeatedly disrupted public health operations. Attacks on medical staff and treatment centres have made it more difficult to trace contacts and isolate suspected cases, both critical steps in controlling Ebola.
Health officials have warned that such developments could accelerate the spread of the disease, especially when infected individuals are removed from monitored environments.
The outbreak continues to expand, with confirmed cases increasing to 837, including 196 deaths, according to the latest government data released on Tuesday.
The figures include 29 new cases and four additional deaths reported in the previous 24 hours, underlining the speed at which the virus is spreading.
The abduction has intensified concerns among health authorities that gaps in containment could widen if security conditions do not improve.
Officials say the combination of ongoing violence, population movement and limited access to healthcare continues to complicate the response, raising the risk of further outbreaks in nearby areas.
As efforts to control the virus continue, the latest incident serves as a stark reminder that tackling Ebola in the region is as much a security challenge as it is a public health emergency.
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