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A mob set fire to an Ebola treatment centre in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, leaving one police officer dead and two people injured, officials said.
DPA International reports that several Ebola patients, along with individuals showing symptoms of the life-threatening virus, fled the treatment centre in the village of Bafwabango in Ituri province, Joseph Pemamakuwe, the chief medical officer of the local health district, said.
The Ebola virus continues to spread across eastern Congo as mistrust among local communities hampers response efforts. Aid workers have come under attack amid fear, rumours and superstition surrounding the disease.
Traditional burial practices, which involve close contact with the deceased, remain a major source of transmission.
Since April, at least 399 people have died in the outbreak, according to the latest official figures. Authorities have confirmed 1,333 cases through laboratory testing.
The World Health Organization believes the true number of infections is likely much higher because the outbreak went undetected for several weeks.
