epa12987162 Health workers wearing full personal protective equipment prepare to transport the body of an Ebola victim for a safe burial at Sofepadi Hospital in Bunia, Ituri province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, on Saturday. Photo by Stringer/EPA
May 24 (UPI) -- The International Federation Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies that three of its volunteers have died in the Democratic Republic of the Congo amid an Ebola virus outbreak.
The organization said the three volunteers working in the Mongbwalu branch in Djugu territory, Ituri province, were believed to have contracted Ebola while carrying out duties. Ituri province is the epicenter of the Ebola outbreak, which has killed a suspected 177 people in the DRC and Uganda.
The IFRC identified the three workers as Alikana Udumusi Agustin, who died May 16; Sezabo Katanabo, who died May 15; and Ajiko Chandiru Viviane, who died May 5.
"We extend our heartfelt condolences to their families, loved ones, fellow volunteers and colleagues," the IFRC said in a statement Saturday. "We stand in solidarity with the DRC Red Cross during this difficult time."
