The dangers of misinformation and the shadow of ‘Ebola business’

This 17th Ebola outbreak emerges against a backdrop of instability, fueling distrust and the spread of false narratives. In Butembo and Beni, towns in North Kivu, residents remain scarred by the 2018-2020 epidemic. Grief from losing loved ones, lack of clear communication, and restricted patient visits have eroded confidence in medical responses.

Tensions peaked in 2019 when part of a treatment center was set ablaze, forcing MSF to temporarily halt operations in the area.

“Some advised me not to go to the health center, claiming doctors would make my husband sick,” shares Elise*, whose husband tested positive. In a region where humanitarian aid is scarce, the return of medical teams has revived old fears. “Rumors spread across all social strata,” notes Dr. Pablo Paluku Lwanzo, head physician in Butembo. “Some deny the disease exists or accuse us of poisoning.”

The stigma of the documented ‘Ebola business’ from past crises—marked by financial abuses and gender-based violence—further threatens the safety of humanitarian workers on the ground.

Virus spreads at unprecedented pace

As of July 13, 2026, Butembo and Beni reported 122 and 31 confirmed cases, respectively, with 77 and 20 deaths. “These numbers likely underrepresent the true scale,” warns Hugo Soubrier, MSF epidemiologist in North Kivu. “Patients arrive at advanced stages, driving high mortality rates. Nearly half of those infected had contact with unidentified cases.”

New isolation center offers hope to families

Denise’s sister was admitted to the new isolation center in Butembo, opened by MSF in early July. Daily visits through a glass partition bring reassurance. “Seeing her gives me peace,” Denise says. The center’s design balances containment with family connection to curb transmission.

“Isolation is essential to break the chain of infection while allowing families to support their loved ones,” explains Delmas Kalemba, MSF logistics coordinator. The 35-bed facility, repurposed from a general hospital building, reflects a shift toward community-centered care.

Community-led solutions to end the outbreak

With the virus now detected in Tshopo and Haut-Uélé provinces, MSF is prioritizing local engagement. “Communities hold invaluable experience with Ebola and deep knowledge of the terrain,” says Margot Grelet, MSF project lead in Butembo. “Our role is to provide medical expertise, supplies, and treatments.”

Teams regularly consult community and religious leaders to tailor interventions. The goal: encourage early symptom reporting to improve survival odds.

Community volunteers key to prevention efforts

In Beni, 50 km from Butembo, a similar participatory model is in action. “We rely on local leaders and civil society to disseminate prevention messages,” says Delphine Ferry, health promotion coordinator. 150 trained community volunteers address families’ questions about Bundibugyo virus and treatment protocols.

Bringing care closer to patients

This proximity-driven approach includes concrete steps: a 26-bed care center nearing completion near Beni’s reference hospital and support for two local health centers offering free primary care. Twelve observation rooms are now operational in Kanzulinzuli and Malepe, with eleven more under construction. These spaces safely isolate suspected cases while maintaining vital social connections.

*Names changed to protect identities.