Three volunteers from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies have died after contracting Ebola during a humanitarian mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as health officials race to contain the growing outbreak spreading into Uganda.

The organization said the volunteers are believed to be among the first known victims of the current outbreak.

Red Cross volunteers contracted Ebola during humanitarian mission

The IFRC identified the volunteers as:

  • Alikana Udumusi Augustin
  • Sezabo Katanabo
  • Ajiko Chandiru Viviane

According to the organization, they likely contracted the virus while handling bodies during a humanitarian mission on March 27 in Ituri province, the center of the outbreak.

At the time, the Ebola outbreak had not yet been officially identified, and local communities were unaware of the danger.

Viviane died on May 5, Katanabo on May 15 and Augustin on May 16.

The volunteers were serving in the Mongbwalu branch of Congo’s Red Cross society.

WHO calls outbreak “deeply worrisome”

World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the outbreak as “deeply worrisome” because violence and insecurity are slowing response efforts.

The WHO declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern on May 17.

As of Thursday:

  • 746 suspected Ebola cases had been reported in Congo
  • 176 deaths were linked to suspected infections
  • 88 cases had been laboratory confirmed
  • 10 confirmed patients had died

Uganda confirms additional Ebola cases

Uganda’s Ministry of Health announced Sunday that the country’s confirmed Ebola cases had risen from two to five.

The newly confirmed infections include:

  • A Ugandan driver who transported the country’s first patient
  • A healthcare worker exposed while caring for infected patients
  • A Congolese woman who crossed into Uganda while showing symptoms

Officials said all three patients are currently receiving treatment.

Bundibugyo strain has no approved vaccine

The outbreak is being driven by the Ebola strain known as Bundibugyo, which causes severe hemorrhagic fever.

Health experts say there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments specifically designed for this strain, making containment efforts more difficult.

International agencies including:

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • Doctors Without Borders
  • European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control

have deployed aid workers and emergency support to the region.

United States tightens entry rules

The United States has introduced stricter travel measures tied to the outbreak.

The CDC issued an order blocking entry for foreign nationals who were recently in Congo, Uganda or South Sudan within 21 days before arrival in the United States.

U.S. citizens and permanent residents are still allowed to enter but must undergo enhanced health screening at:

  • Washington Dulles International Airport
  • Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

No confirmed Ebola cases in the United States

The CDC said there are currently no confirmed or suspected cases in the United States linked to the current outbreak.

However, health officials continue monitoring travelers and expanding surveillance efforts as the number of infections rises in Central and East Africa.

Author: Staff Writer | Edited for WTFwire.com | SOURCE: NBC News