New Facts: Congo health workers trace potential patient zero

On June 11, health workers examined the home of an Ebola victim in Mongbwalu in northeastern Congo as part of the hunt for the outbreak’s source. Local authorities identified the deceased as Pastor Paluku, known as "Jeune Patron," and believe he could be among the first cases.

Red Cross workers in personal protective equipment retrieved the body of an unidentified man who died of Ebola and disinfected the house in Mongbwalu. In a separate operation, Red Cross teams loaded the body of a child who died of Ebola into a wooden coffin.

Aid agencies intensified efforts to contain the new outbreak, with health checkpoints screening people along the street in the town. A UN helicopter overflew the area, showing the Mongbwalu General Referral Hospital.

Mongbwalu is a gold mining town in northeastern Congo. The Mongbwalu Health Zone’s Chief Medical Officer is Dr. Dhedja Dhenyo Ruben.

The index case has not been identified. Local authorities say Pastor Paluku may be among the earliest victims, and investigators are still tracing the outbreak’s origins.

AI-synthesized from multiple reported sources