After His Mother Told Him He Would Die, Dr Raymond Sought Ebola Treatment in Congo

A family’s fear of treatment

In July, Dr Raymond Kasereka Kamwanga told his family he suspected Ebola and planned to go to a treatment centre in Butembo, in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. His mother, Masika Ndungo, asked why he was choosing to die there.

The World Health Organization had declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern two months earlier. The report says the outbreak had since caused 5,400 deaths and 11,000 infections, making it the second-deadliest recorded.

Symptoms and isolation

Kamwanga first noticed a bitter taste, headaches and general malaise, and contacted the Ebola response team. Butembo lacked equipment for rapid testing, so samples had to be sent to Beni, 54km north.

After three days at home, he became very weak and developed muscle pain. Vomiting and diarrhoea began the next day. He asked colleagues to put on protective gear before approaching him and isolating him, because Ebola spreads through contact with infected bodily fluids.

Kamwanga said his family cried, but he tried to reassure them that he was a doctor and expected to be all right. He also described being afraid as patients died around him, while trying to remain positive.

Recovery and renewed trust

The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, for which the report says there is no approved vaccine or treatment. In some patients, symptoms can lead to organ failure and, in some cases, internal and external bleeding.

After learning he had recovered, Kamwanga thanked the healthcare workers who had cared for him. His family welcomed him home, but kept their distance because they were afraid; Ndungo said they prayed for his protection and were relieved to see him return in good health.