Ebola survivor doctor in eastern Congo shares his story to counter mistrust
Dr Raymond Kasereka Kamwanga, 30, survived Ebola in Butembo, in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. He now shares his experience to counter rumours and mistrust about the disease.
A doctor in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) city of Butembo, Raymond Kasereka Kamwanga, survived Ebola despite his family's attempts to dissuade him from seeking treatment at a specialised centre. He now tells residents that the disease is real and that recovery is possible. His case comes amid an outbreak that the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a public health emergency of international concern in May.
Scale of the outbreak
According to the figures in the source, 5,400 people have died and 11,000 have been infected since then, making it the second-deadliest outbreak on record. Butembo lies in North Kivu province, which has reported the most cases. A total of 3,031 people have survived. The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo species of the virus, for which there is no approved vaccine or treatment.
Illness and treatment
Kamwanga, 30, works at Katwa Hospital. He believes he caught the virus from a patient in a setting where protective measures are not always adequate. His first symptoms were a bitter taste in the mouth, headaches and malaise. Butembo lacks equipment for rapid testing, so samples must go to Beni, 54km away, a journey that can take 48 to 72 hours.
On the fourth day he began vomiting and had diarrhoea, and he decided to go to the treatment centre. His 50-year-old mother, Masika Ndungo, regarded the centre as a "death house" and pleaded with him not to go. Treatment was symptomatic, and he spent 13 days in hospital.
After recovery
After discharge, the doctor lived apart from his family for 21 days, the virus's incubation period, while relatives kept their distance. He has begun writing a book, The Price of Saving Lives, and shows residents photos taken during his illness.
Kamwanga says some people see awareness campaigns as a way for humanitarian organisations to profit from donor funding, and that he receives death threats. He agrees with a report by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) that Ebola funds are going missing and accuses the government of taking the issue lightly. The BBC has asked the Congolese government for comment.
