Ebola Outbreak in Congo Complicated by Cultural Beliefs and Distrust of Healthcare

A rare Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is being hampered by widespread cultural beliefs that view the disease as a spiritual affliction rather than a medical emergency, leading many patients to seek traditional healers instead of hospitals. The outbreak, confirmed on May 15 and caused by the Bundibugyo virus—an uncommon strain with no approved medicines or vaccines—has killed at least 181 people in Ituri province, with the epicenter in Bunia. The virus continues to mystify communities across Africa, with some residents believing misinformation such as claims that Ebola spreads through magical charms dropped into latrines by malicious individuals.

Many in the affected region view hemorrhagic fever onset as a spiritual affliction and seek herbs and prayers instead of medical care, a pattern that has persisted across Africa's seventeen recorded Ebola outbreaks since 1976. Victims of the current outbreak include health workers lacking protective equipment and religious worshippers who gathered while the virus was spreading. The situation is exacerbated by deep distrust of health systems and limited access to reliable medical information. As Onesphore Bangenza of Mercy Corps explained, "When people do not trust the health system, they often go first to traditional healers, faith leaders, or people they already know. The danger is that many only reach the hospital when they are already very sick."

The outbreak occurs in a remote region already destabilized by armed conflict and displacement, complicating response efforts. Some experts believe infections may have occurred as early as February, though health officials initially tested for different virus types. The World Health Organization declared it a public health emergency of international concern, and the U.S. government imposed temporary travel restrictions on people without U.S. passports who recently visited Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan.

Humanitarian workers are increasingly engaging religious leaders as part of outbreak response strategies, recognizing their influence in communities. The shame and disturbing symptoms associated with Ebola—including muscle weakness, headaches, fever, and internal and external bleeding—sometimes drive patients to seek privacy at traditional healers' shrines rather than hospitals. A catechist leader in Mongbwalu, Deogratias Kasereka, publicly described his near-fatal mistake of initially avoiding the hospital and how his children ultimately convinced him to seek medical treatment, which likely saved his life.