IRC: Congo lab risks Ebola virus leak

The International Red Cross (IRC) has expressed concerns over the potential for viral contamination, including Ebola, from a laboratory in Goma, Congo, due to the ongoing conflict between the national army and the M23 rebels. These rebels have been accused of undermining the security of the laboratory. The conflict in the region has had a significant impact on the country, leading to the deaths of dozens of individuals and the establishment of a state of chaos. Patrick Youssef, the IRC Regional Director, expressed serious apprehension regarding the situation at the National Institute for Biomedical Research’s laboratory during a press conference in Geneva. He highlighted the potential risks of power outages and the possible contamination of samples during the clashes. Youssef emphasised the grave consequences of dispensing viral samples, including those of the Ebola virus, into the surrounding area.