Dr Raymond Kasereka Kamwanga, a doctor at Butembo's Katwa Hospital in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, suspected he had Ebola and decided to go to a treatment centre in July. His family was horrified, regarding the specialised unit as a "death house" with low recovery rates, especially for late-stage patients. His 50-year-old mother pleaded with him not to go, fearing he would die. Despite this, Kamwanga knew he had to seek treatment to survive.
The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo was declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization (WHO) two months prior to Kamwanga's diagnosis. Since then, 5,400 people have died and 11,000 have been infected, making it the second-most deadly outbreak ever recorded. Butembo, where Kamwanga lives, is in North Kivu province, the epicentre of the crisis, with the highest number of reported cases.
Kamwanga believes he contracted the virus through contact with a patient in a setting where protective measures are not always adequate. His symptoms appeared gradually, starting with a bitter taste in his mouth, headaches, and a general feeling of malaise. He contacted the Ebola response team and was eventually admitted to the treatment centre after his condition worsened.
The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo species of the virus, for which there is no approved vaccine or treatment. Treatment given to Ebola patients is symptomatic, focusing on treating the symptoms presented. In Kamwanga's case, it was severe vomiting and diarrhoea, which can lead to organ failure and internal and external bleeding if left untreated.
Kamwanga spent 13 days in the hospital, trying to stay positive by watching movies, reading, and scrolling through TikTok. After learning he had recovered, he felt immense relief and thanked the healthcare workers who cared for him. However, even a certificate showing he was Ebola-free did not initially dispel the unease those around him felt after he was discharged.
Kamwanga's family and neighbours initially kept their distance due to fear of the virus. For 21 days, the doctor lived separately in another part of the family home, which was crowded with at least 18 people, including several children and people displaced by recent fighting. He would only see them from afar when he went to pick up his meal.
After his recovery, Kamwanga threw himself into community outreach, sharing his story to combat rumours and mistrust. He started writing a book about his experience and distributes photos taken while he was sick to convince residents that Ebola is real. However, his mission remains difficult in Butembo, where some view awareness campaigns as a way for humanitarian organisations to profit from donor funding.
Key points
- Dr Kamwanga is one of 3,031 people who have survived Ebola in DR Congo.
